Studies From the Book of Romans
Adult Division, No. 308, Second Quarter, 1972
Second
Quarter
1972
Outline of Topics
1.
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
2.
The Just Judgment of God
3.
Made Right With God by Faith
4.
Justification Versus Condemnation
5.
Christ, the Deliverer From Sin
6.
Walking With Jesus
7.
God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
8.
Justification by Faith, an Old Testament Principle
9.
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
10.
Exhortations to Church Members
11.
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the Christian
12.
Mercy for the Gentiles
13.
Called According to His Purpose
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 308, April-June, 1972. 35 cents a single
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Copyright, 1972, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover painting by Charles Zingaro;
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on Sabbath School Work,
page 53.
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prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
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GOD'S WAY O SETING
MIEN REGFETI
(Studies From the Book of Romans)
General Introduction
The Jewish colony at Rome to whom the apostle Paul addresses the epistle
to the Romans represents in large part people who had come to the city be-
cause of its commercial advantages. Some were wealthy and influential.
Others were slaves brought from Jerusalem by Pompey to adorn his triumph
and later set free. Although the Jews dwelling in Rome enjoyed the favor
of the Caesars, they were held in contempt by the general population of the
Romans.
There were Jews of the synagogue to whom the gospel had not yet been
preached, or by whom it had long since been rejected. Others were in con-
temptuous ignorance of "this sect" which was "everywhere spoken against."
Acts 28:22. It was to these chief spokesmen that Paul expounded the kingdom
of God; and in the epistle he wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth;
to the
Jew first,
and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16.
The message of Romans shows how the gospel and the gospel alone fully
answers the need which all men have for salvation. It deals with the law, with
sin, and with grace. By exaggerating some features and disregarding others,
it is easy to give an air of plausibility to very different and widely separated
views about Romans. There could be lengthy discussions also about the pur-
pose of the epistle.
We could hope that a discussion of the lessons will center not so much
about Paul and his background and his times as around what the Lord was
saying to that generation and to this one through His servant. All Scripture
is given to us "by inspiration of God." There are deep veins of truth in the
book of Romans that the people of God need for this time of revival and
reformation. Let us not overlook them.
LESSON 1
March 26 to April 1
GOD'S WAY OF DEALING WITH SIN 1
"This epistle [Romans] is really the chief
part of the New Testament and the pur-
est gospel, which not only deserves to
be known by heart by a Christian, word
for word, but to be studied daily as the
daily bread of the soul." Martin Luther.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Rom. 1:16.
The Christians at Rome were a commu-
nity of diverse people drawn from various
nations and creeds in which practically
every variety of Christian thought and
feeling then current found a place. One of
the great religious questions of the time
was the relationship of Judaism to Chris-
tianity and of Gentile converts to Jewish
practices then being observed by Jewish
Christians.
Paul hoped to be able to preach the gos-
pel to the Jews of the synagogue in Rome,
some of whom held the followers of Christ
in contempt. It is clear also that Paul hoped
to preach the gospel to the Gentiles at
Rome who had not yet heard it.
The book of Romans represents a de-
tailed exposition of God's plan for the sal-
vation of mankind as it is revealed in the
gospel. The substance of its teaching is that
the gospel and the gospel alone fully an-
swers the soul's need for salvation, and this
is a need which neither paganism nor Ju-
daism could satisfy.
"The apostle regarded himself as 'debtor
both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians,'
as well as to the Jews; but he never lost
sight of the decided advantages possessed
by the Jews over others, 'chiefly, because
that unto them were committed the oracles
of God.' . . . It is of this gospel of Christ,
equally efficacious for Jew and Gentile, that
Paul in his epistle to the Romans declared
he was not ashamed."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 380.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Messenger of the Gospel
Rom. 1:1,2
2.
The Divine Purpose
Rom. 1:5, 6
3.
The Church in Rome
Rom. 1:7-10
4.
Theme of the Epistle
Rom. 1:16
5.
Sinners Without Excuse
Rom. 1:18
6.
Results of Apostasy
Rom. 1:23-25
5
Part 1
MESSENGER
OF THE GOSPEL
Rom. 1:1, 2
THINK IT THROUGH
Sunday
March 26
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apos-
tle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which He had
promised afore by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures)."
While the twelve disciples had been chosen by Jesus and
were with Him during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:21), Paul
had not enjoyed this advantage. But he was nonetheless an
apostle by divine call. Gal. 1:1. Though he considered himself
as "one born out of due time" (1 Cor. 15:8), perhaps a refer-
ence to the lateness of his conversion, his call was no less real
or effectual.
What was the good news Paul sought to preach? Rom.
1:3.
The gospel that tells of Christ's sacrifice for the lost is the
fulfillment of all that was old, the starting point of all that was
new. It says that God has been with us, that He has unveiled
Himself to us here, so that He might be, as man, the restorer
of mankind.
What did Paul offer as proof of the divinity of Christ?
Rom. 1:4.
We are commissioned, as was Paul, to carry the gospel
to our generation. But now, when transgression has al-
most reached its limit, am I readily satisfied with offering
the Lord trifling acts of service?
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
LESSON 1
"For the epistle to the church at
Rome, every Christian has reason to
thank God.
"In this letter Paul gave free expres-
sion to his burden in behalf of the Jews.
Ever since his conversion, he had longed
to help his Jewish brethren to gain a
clear understanding of the gospel mes-
sage. 'My heart's desire and prayer to
God for Israel is,' he declared, 'that
they might be saved.'
"It was no ordinary desire that the
apostle felt. Constantly he was peti-
tioning God to work in behalf of the
Israelites who had failed to recognize
Jesus of Nazareth as the promised
Messiah. 'I say the truth in Christ,' he
assured the believers at Rome, 'my con-
science also bearing me witness in the
Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness
and continual sorrow in my heart. For
I could wish that myself were accursed
from Christ for my brethren, my kins-
men according to the flesh.' "—"The
Acts of the Apostles," page 374.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Prophets and Kings," page 105; "Gospel Workers," pages
264, 265.
6
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
LESSON 1
Monday
March
27
Part 2
"By whom we have received grace and apostleship,
THE DIVINE for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His
PURPOSE name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus
Rom. 1:5, 6 Christ."
The Scriptures speak of various kinds of calls. One is a call
to civil service. God called Cyrus to the conquest of nations
and to be the protector of Israel. Isa. 45:1, 4. A person's secular
employment is said to be his calling; it is the work to which
God invites him. 1 Cor. 7:20. There is also a call to office, as
when Paul was called to the apostleship. Rom. 1:1. Thus every
true minister of the gospel is called of God. 1 Cor. 12:7-11.
There is also a call to mankind, wherever the gospel is preached,
to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. But though
all without exception are thus invited, few accept and hence
few are chosen. Matt. 22:1-10; Acts 17:30; compare Prov.
8:4; Isa. 55:6, 7.
Through his apostleship, what was Paul to lead the
Gentiles to do? Rom. 1:5, 6.
Today's English Version
captures the meaning of the Greek
in a very interesting way:
"Through Him God gave me the privilege of being an apos-
tle, for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations
to believe and obey. This also includes you who are in Rome,
whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ."
The gospel calls for a response on the part of the hearer.
1 Peter 1:22; Acts 6:7. God commands as well as invites and
offers. 1 John 3:23. Unbelief and rejection of Christ constitute
rebellion against God. Faith is itself obedience. When God
speaks, men are not to quibble and offer their own reasoning,
but they are to believe and accept.
Who are called of Christ? 1 Cor. 1:2, 7; Acts 9:32;
Eph. 1:1.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I willing to obey all that the Lord has said, or do
I have some reservations about what His Word plainly
says I should do?
"The warfare against God's law,
which was begun in heaven, will be
continued until the end of time. Every
man will be tested. Obedience or dis-
obedience is the question to be decided
by the whole world. All will be called
to choose between the law of God and
the laws of men. Here the dividing line
will be drawn. There will be but two
classes. Every character will be fully
developed; and all
will show whether
they have chosen the side of loyalty
or that of rebellion."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 763.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Steps to Christ," pages 60,61.
7
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
LESSON 1
Tuesday
March 28
Part 3
"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be
THE CHURCH saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and
IN ROME the Lord Jesus Christ.
-
First, I thank my God through Jesus
Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout
the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve
with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceas-
ing I make mention of you always in my prayers; making
request, if by any means now at length I might have a
Rom. 1:7-10 prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you."
--- It is the grace of God that transforms man into the likeness
of his Maker.
"Through the power of Christ men and women have broken
the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The
profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate
pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become
transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the
miracle of miracles. A change wrought_by the Word, it is one
of the deepest mysteries
-
of
-
the
Word. We ca
rmot understand
it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is
Christ in you, the hope of glory.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 476.
Why did Paul wish to visit Rome? How does he speak
of those to whom he must preach? Rom. 1:11-15.
THINK IT THROUGH
Faith is strengthened when it is shared. There is a law per-
vading God's works by which the giver becomes the receiver.
The seed comes back in the harvest; the ocean receives the
rain that it gives off in evaporation. Nothing is so injurious
as selfishness; nothing is so remunerative as benevolence.
Am I so living that my neighbors will better under-
stand and love God? Am I living up to my privilege to
advance daily in the Christian life?
"In His wisdom the Lord brings those
who are seeking for truth into touch
with fellow beings who know the truth.
It is the plan of Heaven that those who
have received light shall impart it to
those in darkness. Humanity, drawing
its efficiency from the great Source of
wisdom, is made the instrumentality,
the working agency, through which the
gospel exercises its transforming power
on mind and heart."—"The Acts of the
Apostles," page 134.
"God could have reached His object
in saving sinners without our aid; but
in order for us to develop a character
like Christ's, we must share in His
work."—"The Desire of Ages," page
142.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 359-361; "Gospel Workers,"
pages 265, 266.
8
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
LESSON 1
Part 4
THEME OF THE
EPISTLE
ROM. 1:16
THINK IT THROUGH
Wednesday
March
29
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that be-
lieveth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
The gospel is power. This power is manifested when a sinner
abandons his life of sin. Paul himself was a living illustration
of what the power of God can do for a man. The gospel of
Christ succeeds even when imprisonment, stripes, destitution,
and disgrace have been powerless to reform.
"What is the nature of the righteousness that comes
to us through the gospel? Rom. 1:17.
God's way of dealing with sin is the dominant theme of the
whole epistle. Compare Romans 3:21-26, in which God's righ-
teousness is especially revealed in the death of Christ. Compare
Rom. 10:2 ; Phil. 3:9.
"The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished
sin. A man may be a lawbreaker in heart; yet if he commits
no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the
world as possessing great integrity. But God's law looks into
the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives
that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles
of God's law will stand in judgment."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 316.
"Nor is it a righteousness that the sinner must work out for
himself through long and weary processes of thought or evolu-
tion or sacrifice and penance and pilgrimage; it comes to the
believer wholly apart from all that human power can do."—
Milton Charles Wilcox,
Studies in Romans,
page 21.
If nature shows God's power in creation, and the Flood
furnishes proof of His destructive power, then the gospel
reveals His power to save. Are you ashamed of the gos-
pel? Are you fearful to make known your identification
with it?
"In
the matchless gift of His Son, God
has encircled the whole world with an
atmosphere of grace as real as the air
which circulates around the globe. All
who choose to breathe this life-giving
atmosphere will live and grow up to
the stature of men and women in
Christ Jesus.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol.
ing," page 147.
"As the flower turns to the sun, that
the bright beams may aid in perfecting
its beauty and symmetry, so should we
turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that
heaven's light may shine upon us, that
our character may be developed into
the likeness of Christ."—"Steps to
Christ," page 68.
3, pp. 333, 377; "The Ministry of Heal-
9
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
LESSON 1
Thursday
March 30
Part 5
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
SINNERS WITHOUT all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold
EXCUSE the truth in unrighteousness."
Rom. 1:18
When men renounce God, they turn to substitutes. In Bible
times they chose to worship the works of God's hands and
objects of their own making, including images of themselves.
Nothing has been too mean, or too obscene, for man to worship.
What reason does Paul give for the wrath of God
against man? Rom. 1:19, 20.
"Not only the things of nature, but the sacrificial service
and the Scriptures themselves—all given to reveal God—were
so perverted that they became the means of concealing Him."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 18.
What is the terrible result of apostasy? Rom. 1:21, 22.
Men stand condemned because their conduct does not mea-
sure up to their knowledge of God. Having this knowledge,
they failed to glorify and worship Him who is disclosed in crea-
tion and in their consciences. A darkened mind leads to futility
and frustrated thinking which always ends in foolishness and
chaos.
"It is a mistake to suppose that idolatry was the gradual
growth of well-disposed but unenlightened human thinking. Its
rise was sudden. It was conceived in intentional rebellion. . . .
It was brought into being to counteract the will and worship
of the true and known God."—Seiss,
Lectures on the Apoca-
lypse, Vol. 3,
p. 119.
"The heathen systems of sacrifice were a perversion of the
system that God had appointed."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 28.
THINK IT THROUGH
Could I fall under condemnation because I am not
learning all I could learn about God and the Scriptures?
"God allows men a period of proba-
tion; but there is a point beyond which
divine patience is exhausted, and the
judgments of God are sure to follow.
The Lord bears long with men, and with
cities, mercifully giving warnings to
save them from divine wrath; but a
time will come when pleadings for
mercy will no longer be heard, and the
rebellious element that continues to re-
ject the light of truth will be blotted
out, in mercy to themselves and to those
who would otherwise be influenced by
their example."—"Prophets and Kings,"
page 276.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 561, 562, 627-629.
10
God's Way of Dealing With Sin
LESSON 1
Friday
March 31
Part 6
"And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into
RESULTS OF an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and
APOSTASY four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God
also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between
themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and
worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator,
Rom. 1:23-25 who is blessed forever. Amen."
A hoist operator in a slope mine needs merely to loose the
connection, and the cars by their own weight rush down the
incline and dash themselves to pieces. A physician has merely
to retire when his orders have been repeatedly disregarded, to
deliver his patient to protracted suffering and possibly to a
premature grave. In like manner, if God delivers men who
reject Him to their lusts, they will sink into the lowest depths
and finally to everlasting destruction.
To what extent did God forsake these wicked men?
Rom. 1:26-28.
How complete was their apostasy? Rom. 1:29-32.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a
part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the
heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against
heaven."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 37.
What form does apostasy take in modern-day
churches?
"In its human wisdom the world themselves to be wise, they will become
cannot know God. Its wise men gather fools.
an imperfect knowledge of God from
"Those who think they can obtain a
His created works, and then in their knowledge of God aside from His Rep-
foolishness they exalt nature and the resentative whom the Word declares is
laws of nature above nature's God.
'the express image of His person' (Heb.
Those who have not a knowledge of
1:3), will need to become fools in their
God through an acceptance of the own estimation before they can be
revelation He has made of Himself in
wise. It is impossible to gain a perfect
Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of God from nature alone;
knowledge of Him in nature
;
and this
for nature itself is imperfect. In its im-
knowledge, so far from giving elevated
perfection it cannot represent God, it
conceptions of God, and bringing the cannot reveal the character of God in
whole being into conformity to His will,
its moral perfection."—"Selected Mes-
will make men idolators. Professing
sages," Bk. 1, p. 295.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Prophets and Kings, " pages 305, 306.
11
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ungodliness, unrighteousness, truth; (6) Sin had become a science, vice a religion.
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LESSON 2
April
2-8
THE JUST JUDGMENT OF GOD
2
"Many professed Christians are in
a fair way to lose both worlds.
To be half a Christian and half a
worldly man makes you about
one-hundredth part a Christian
and all the rest worldly." Ellen
G. White.
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight:
for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3:20.
Impartiality is one of the most important
qualifications of a judge. Without it no
amount of knowledge or ability can inspire
confidence. Yet it is by no means a common
quality. Even the judge who sets out to be
conscientious is often influenced by preju-
dices and by the law itself, which, in some
instances, may favor the rich above the
poor. But God is strictly impartial, and His
law does not favor the rich. He who is righ-
teous Himself could not favor the unrigh-
teous without being implicated in their sin.
But God's impartiality is seen in the fact
that anyone can ask for and receive His
goodness.
"God is too pure to behold iniquity. A
sin is just as grievous in His sight in one
case as in another. No exception will be
made by an impartial
God."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 447.
LESSON OUTLINE
I. Human Versus Divine Judgment
Rom. 2:1-3
2.
Righteous Judgment of God
Rom. 2:5
3.
According to Man's Deeds
Rom. 2:6-10
4.
The Jewish Moralist
Rom. 2:17-20
5.
Circumcision and the Law
Rom. 2:25-27
6.
How to Be a True Jew
Rom. 2:28, 29
13
The Just Judgment of God
LESSON 2
Sunday
April 2
Part 1
"Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whosoever
HUMAN VERSUS thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another,
DIVINE JUDGMENT thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the
same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God
is according to truth against them which commit such
things. And thinkest thou this, 0 man, that judgest them
which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt
Rom. 2:1-3 escape the judgment of God?"
It is easy to discover sin in others, and it is simple to join
in general confessions of sin in which we seem to include our-
selves. But it is hard to acknowledge penitently a specific sin
before God. There is in every man a subtle element of self-
flattery which leads him to deny his own offenses while he is
quick to condemn the sins of his neighbors.
What is the attitude toward God's goodness of the
man who judges another yet practices the same things?
Rom. 2:1-3.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed
speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in
them to do evil." Eccl. 8:11. It is the goodness of God that
leads Him to bless us; it is His forbearance that holds back
the avenging stroke against sin; it is His long-suffering that
endures much provocation from the sons of men. . . .
"The Pharisees . . . came forth from their religious services,
not humbled with a sense of their own weakness, not grateful
for the great privileges that God had given them. They came
forth filled with spiritual pride. . . .
"The people partook largely of the same spirit, intruding
upon the province of conscience and judging one another in
matters that lay between the soul and God. It was in reference
to this spirit and practice that Jesus said, 'Judge not, that ye
be not judged.'
"—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages
123, 124.
In what ways have I learned the magnitude of sin?
How do I look upon degrees of guilt when I am the guilty
one? Am I looking to the imperfect judgment of my
friends rather than to the true estimate of God?
"Do not set yourself up as a stan-
dard. Do not make your opinions, your
views of duty, your interpretations of
Scripture, a criterion for others and in
your heart condemn them if they do not
come up to your ideal. Do not criticize
others, conjecturing as to their motives
and passing judgment upon them."—
"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,"
page 124.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary," on Rom. 2:1-3.
14
The Just Judgment
of God
LESSON 2
Monday
April 3
Part 2
"But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest
RIGHTEOUS up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and reve-
JUDGMENT OF GOD lotion of the righteous judgment of God."
Rom. 2:5
The person who continues in sin is not only living danger-
ously today, but he is also treasuring up wrath against the day
of wrath. The man who hardens his heart makes the wrath
that will come upon him at last heavier and heavier by adding
new sins day after day.
What is the difference between what is treasured in
Rom. 2:5 and the "treasure" of Matt. 6:20?
"God has given in His Word decisive evidence that He will
punish the transgressors of His law. Those who flatter them-
selves that He is too merciful to execute justice upon the sinner,
have only to look to the cross of Calvary.. . . All this sacrifice
was made that sinners might be redeemed. In no other way
could man be freed from the penalty of sin. And every soul
that refuses to become a partaker of the atonement provided
at such a cost must bear in his own person the guilt and pun-
ishment of transgression."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 539,
540.
THINK IT THROUGH
What treasure am I storing in my heart? Is there any
bad "treasure" that I must clean out in order to make
room for the treasure of His Word?
"Every man's work passes in review
before God and is registered for faith-
fulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each
name in the books of heaven is entered
with terrible exactness every wrong
word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled
duty, and every secret sin, with every
artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warn-
ings or reproofs neglected, wasted mo-
ments, unimproved opportunities, the
influence exerted for good or for evil,
with its far-reaching results, all are
chronicled by the recording angel.
"The law of God is the standard by
which the characters and the lives of
men will be tested in the judgment....
"Those who in the judgment are
'counted worthy' will have a part •in
the resurrection of the just. . . . The
righteous dead will not be raised until
after the judgment at which they are
accounted worthy of 'the resurrection
of life.' Hence they will not be present
in person at the tribunal when their
records are examined and their cases
decided. Jesus will appear as their ad-
vocate, to plead in their behalf before
God."—"The Great Controversy," page
482.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, pp. 384-387.
15
The Just Judgment
of God
LESSON 2
Tuesday
April 4
Part 3
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
ACCORDING to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek
TO MAN'S DEEDS for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but
unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the
truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that
doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but
glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh
Rom. 2:6-10 good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile."
Deeds are seeds that continue to produce crops through
many generations. The consequences of man's evil deeds may
end only with the world's end. An ungodly example, wicked
instructions, evil institutions, the blasphemous books which
men write, are on this order. For their good deeds, those who
believe in Jesus receive a reward of grace. Matt. 25:34-36; Heb.
6:10. For their evil deeds those who reject the counsel of God
will be cast into outer darkness.
"Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have
known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles.
. . . Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have
heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done
the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that
the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recog-
nized as the children of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 638.
How is God's impartiality in judgment described in
Rom. 2:11-13?
How does God deal with those who do not know the
law? Rom. 2:14-16.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I have a humble and broken heart, subdued by
genuine repentance? Do I appreciate the cost of Calvary?
Am I truly penitent as I come before God?
"Every day we have been associating
with men and women who are judg-
ment bound. Each day may have been
the dividing line to some soul; someone
may have made the decision which
shall determine his future destiny. What
has been our influence over these fel-
low travelers? What efforts have we put
forth to bring them to Christ?
"It is a solemn thing to die, but a
far more solemn thing to live. Every
thought and word and deed of our lives
will meet us again."—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 5, p. 466.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 466; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 310-312.
16
Part 4
THE JEWISH
MORALIST
Rom. 2:17-20
THINK IT THROUGH
Wednesday
April 5
"Behold thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law,
and makest thy boast of God, and knowest His will, and
approvest the things that are more excellent, being in-
structed out of the law; and art confident that thou thy-
self art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are
in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of
babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the
truth in the law."
The Jew boasted of his covenant relation with God. The
Jew expected salvation because he was a Jew. He also rested
on his superior knowledge. Divine things had been especially
revealed to him, and on this premise he expected a special favor
from God. The Jew forgot that superior knowledge often
heightens the guilt of sin and increases the certainty, the neces-
sity, and the severity of punishment.
Although the Jewish moralists were preaching to the
Gentiles, what were they themselves doing? Rom. 2:21-23.
"The apostle showed that religion does not consist in rites
and ceremonies, creeds and theories. If it did, the natural man
could understand it by investigation, as he understands worldly
things. Paul taught that religion is a practical, saving energy, a
principle wholly from God, a personal experience of God's
renewing power upon the soul."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 451.
By their hypocrisy how were the Jews causing the
name of God to be regarded? Rom. 2:24.
Is my life consistent with the things which I say I
believe? Is my standard of conduct only a little above
the world's standards? Or is the distinction decidedly
apparent?
The Just Judgment of God
LESSON 2
"A legal religion can never lead
souls to Christ; for it is a loveless,
Christless religion. Fasting or prayer
that is actuated by a self-justifying
spirit is an abomination in the sight of
God. The solemn assembly for worship,
the round of religious ceremonies, the
external humiliation, the imposing sac-
rifice, proclaim that the doer of these
things regards himself as righteous,
and as entitled to heaven; but it is all
a deception. Our own works can never
purchase salvation."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 280.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"SDA Bible Commentary," on Rom. 2:17-20.
3—AQT2-71
17
The Just Judgment of God
LESSON 2
Thursday
April 6
"For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law:
but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is
made uncircumcision. . . . And shall not uncircumcision
which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who
by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?"
Abraham received circumcision as a sign or seal that he was
a worshiper of the true God. Unfortunately, many of his de-
scendants had the seal without the corresponding experience of
true worship.
Part 5
CIRCUMCISION
AND THE LAW
Rom. 2:25-27
What further significance had the rite of circumcision?
Gen. 17:9-14; Acts 7:8.
"The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and said unto him, 'I
am the Almighty God. Walk before Me, and be thou perfect,
and I will make a covenant between Me and thee, and will
multiply thee exceedingly.... '
"He then required of Abraham and his seed circumcision,
which was a circle cut in the flesh, as a token that God had
cut them out and separated them from all nations as His pecu-
liar treasure. By this sign they solemnly pledged themselves that
they would not intermarry with other nations; for by so doing
they would lose their reverence for God and His holy law,
and would become like the idolatrous nations around them."
—Spiritual Gifts,
Vol. 3, pp. 296, 297.
What other sign designated the Jews as worshipers
of the true God? Eze. 20:20.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way ought Christians today to follow the
injunction, "come out from among" the world, "be ye
separate," and "touch not the unclean thing"?
"For nearly forty years the children
of Israel are lost to view in the obscur-
ity of the desert.... During these years
the people were constantly reminded
that they were under the divine rebuke.
In the rebellion at Kadesh they had
rejected God, and God had for the time
rejected them. Since they had proved
unfaithful to His convenant, they were
not to receive the sign of the covenant,
the rite of circumcision. Their desire to
return to the land of slavery had shown
them to be unworthy of freedom, and
the ordinance of the Passover, instituted
to commemorate the deliverance from
bondage, was not to be observed."—
"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 406.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 189-196, 200.
18
The Just Judgment of God
LESSON 2
THINK IT THROUGH
Friday
April 7
"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither
is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he
is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that
of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose
praise is not of men, but of God."
The apostle is proving that both Jews and Gentiles are under
sin. Because the Jew was so blinded, prejudiced, and self-righ-
teous, this was a difficult proposition for him to accept.
What is the meaning of the word Jew? Rom. 2:28, 29.
The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary
defines "Jew"
as follows:
"A term occurring first in the time of Jeremiah designating
a citizen or subject of the kingdom of Judah (2 Ki 25:25; Jer
32:12; 34:9; etc.). But the derived Hebrew term
Yehiidith
occurs much earlier, in the days of King Hezekiah, to designate
the Hebrew language (2 Ki 18:26; Is 36:11). Most of the re-
turning exiles belonged to the tribe of Judah, since this restored
community was established by those who had been carried cap-
tive from the kingdom of Judah nearly 70 years before."—
Page 575.
What is true circumcision? Rom. 2:29. Compare Jer.
4:4.
"True circumcision is the worship of Christ in spirit and
truth, not in forms and ceremonies, with hypocritical pretense."
—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
page 399.
What is there in outward rites and practices which,
of itself, can be acceptable to God? Since I have been
baptized with water, have I ever examined myself to
determine if I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit?
Part 6
HOW TO BE
A TRUE JEW
Rom. 2:28, 29
"In the past, Christ had been ap-
proached through forms and cere-
monies, but now He was upon the
earth, calling attention directly to Him-
self, presenting a spiritual priesthood,
and placing the sinful human agent at
the footstool of mercy. . . .
"These lessons Christ gave in His
teaching, showing that the ritual ser-
vice was passing away, and possessed
no virtue. 'The hour cometh,' He said,
'and now is, when the true worshipers
shall worship the Father in spirit and
in truth; for the Father seeketh such to
worship Him. God is a Spirit; and they
that worship Him must worship Him in
spirit and in truth.' "—"Fundamentals of
Christian Education," page 399.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary," on Rom. 2:28, 29; "The Acts of
the Apostles," page 204; "Fundamentals of Christian Education," page 399.
19
The Just Judgment of God
LESSON 2
April 8
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
True or False: It is easier to discover sin in others than to acknowledge
one's own sins
2.
True or False: One who continues in sin is not necessarily in any danger.
3.
Complete: "But
, and
, to every man that worketh good,
to the
first, and also to the
4.
True or False: Our religious experience is based mainly on rites, cere-
monies, and creeds
5.
Complete: "And hallow
• and they sh
I
all be a
between
Me and you, that ye may know that I am the
6.
How does God look upon the spiritual attainments of Jews as against
Gentiles)
up aapun Ha
DIE
Aaqi, (9) :pop anoA pawl 'tap ‘stpeq
'VS
4
IAI (9) :asted (t) !olpuao 'Ataf 'a3vad
`Sioi2 (E) !asIed (Z)
(I) :sianksuli
20
LESSON 3
April 9-15
MADE RIGHT WITH GOD BY FAITH
3
"Faith is the only condition upon
which justification can be ob-
tained, and faith includes not
only belief but trust." Ellen G.
White.
"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus." Rom. 3:24.
"Since men have nothing by which they
may set themselves right with God, justifi-
cation must come as a free gift. Only when
in all humility a man is prepared to ac-
knowledge that he is destitute of the glory
of God and that he has nothing in himself
that would commend him to God is he
enabled by faith to accept justification as
a free gift. . . .
"The distinctive meaning attached to the
term 'grace' in the NT, and especially in the
writings of Paul, is that of the abundant,
saving love of God toward sinners as re-
vealed in Jesus Christ. . . .
"As in the case of the Israelites in their
deliverance from Egypt, so also now our
participation in the divine plan of redemp-
tion from sin requires the exercise of faith,
a personal acknowledgment and acceptance
of Jesus as our Redeemer, with all that such
a step implies."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 3:24.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Sinners Justified by Faith
Rom. 3:21, 22
2.
Boasting Excluded
Rom. 3:25-30
3.
Faith Establishes the Law
Rom. 3:31
4.
How God Justifies the Ungodly
Rom. 4:4-8
5.
Not Through Law, but Through
Faith
Rom. 4:13
6.
Imputed Righteousness
Rom. 4:20-22
21
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
Sunday
April
9
Part 1
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is
SINNERS JUSTIFIED manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
BY FAITH even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus
Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there
Rom. 3:21, 22 is no difference."
"When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he
deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He
receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the
merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only
through faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son,
who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one
can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered
from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from
the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering,
death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition
upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes
not only belief but
trust."
Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 389.
Why is God's means of righteousness needed? Rom.
3:22, 23.
By what means is justification freely supplied? Rom.
3:24.
"What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in
laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that
which is not in his power to do for himself. When men see
their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with
the righteousness of Christ."—Ellen G. White,
The Faith I
Live By,
page 111.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is there in Israel's experience of putting blood
on the lintels and doorposts that suggests how I might
accept the righteousness of Christ? Is this experience of
accepting the righteousness of Christ one that I can say
is truly my own?
"We have no righteousness of our
own with which to meet the claims of
the law of God. But Christ has made a
way of escape for us. He lived on earth
amid trials and temptations such as we
have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He
died for us, and now He offers to take
our sins and give us His righteousness.
If you give yourself to Him, and accept
Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as
your life may have been, for His sake
you are accounted righteous. Christ's
character stands in place of your Char-
aCteriand'you
-
are
-
accepte
-
d'before God
just as if you had not sinned."—"Steps
tc Christ," page 62.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 1109; "Selected Mes-
sages," Bk. 1, pp. 359-361.
22
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
El
Monday
April 10
Part 2
"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through
BOASTING faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the
EXCLUDED remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance
of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness:
that He might be just, and the justifier of him which be-
lieveth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded.
By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the deeds of the law. Is He the God of the Jews
only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles
also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circum-
Rom. 3:25-30 cision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith."
When we speak of Christ as being a propitiation for sin, we
imply that He was appointed by God the Father to make an
atonement for mankind. We indicate also that He took upon
Himself the guilt of His people and that He suffered the punish-
ment which they deserved.
"Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated
as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He
had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness,
in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was
ours, that we might receive the life which was His. 'With His
stripes we are healed.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 25.
THINK IT THROUGH
Of what specific boasting does Paul say the Jews were
guilty? Rom. 2:17, 23.
Are there places for good works in the life of a Chris-
tian? 1 Tim. 5:9, 10; 6:18; 2 Tim. 3:17.
Righteousness is a condition of character rather than
conduct. Am I struggling to make an impression upon my
fellow believers, or am I asking the Lord to help me to
be right with Him?
"We do not earn salvation by our
obedience; for salvation is the free gift
of God to be received by faith. But
obedience is the fruit of faith.... If we
abide in Christ, if the love of God
dwells in us, our feelings, our thoughts,
our actions, will be in harmony with the
will of God as expressed in the precepts
of His holy law. . . . Righteousness is
defined by the standard of God's holy
law, as expressed in the ten precepts
given on Sinai."—"Steps to Christ,"
page 61.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 467, 468; "SDA Bible Com-
mentary," on Rom. 3:25-30.
23
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
Part 3
FAITH ESTABLISHES
THE LAW
Rom. 3:31
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
April 11
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God
forbid: yea, we establish the law."
"God does not use His great and precious grace to make of
none effect His law, but to establish His law. What is the
decision of Paul? He says: 'What shall we say then? Is the law
sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the
law. . . . For I was alive without the law once: but when the
commandment came, sin revived, and [the commandment then
ended?—No.] I [Paul] died. . . . Wherefore the law is [stand-
ing directly in the way of my having liberty and peace ?—No.]
holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good' (Rom.
7:7-12)."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 347.
What besides faith operates in justification? James
2:20-24.
"That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men
from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but pre-
sumption. 'By grace are ye saved through faith.' But 'faith, if
it bath not works, is dead.' . . . Jesus said of Himself before
He came to earth, `I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea,
Thy law is within My heart.' . . . And just before He ascended
again to heaven He declared, `I have kept My Father's com-
mandments, and abide in His love.'
"—Steps to Christ,
page 61.
Are the statements in the book of James contrary to
those in Romans?
At first they may seem to be in contradiction, but actually
the teaching of James complements the teaching of Paul. To
establish the connection between faith and works is one of
the purposes of the epistle of James.
Those who have accepted the gospel as a revelation
of the righteousness of Christ and have known its power
in the life will never be ashamed of it. Have I accepted
His righteousness?
"It was to atone for man's transgres-
sion of the law that Christ laid down
His life. Could the law have been
changed or set aside, then Christ need
not have died. By His life on earth He
honored the law of God. By His death
He established it. He gave His life as a
sacrifice, not to destroy God's law, not
to create a lower standard, but that
justice might be maintained, that the
law might be shown to be immutable,
that it might stand fast forever."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 314.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 128; "The Great Contro-
versy," pages 468, 584.
24
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
Part 4
HOW GOD
JUSTIFIES
THE UNGODLY
Rom. 4:4-8
THINK IT THROUGH
Wednesday
April 12
"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned
of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but
believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is
counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth
the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth
righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they
whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are cov-
ered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute
sin."
When Jesus confers sight upon a blind man, the man ceases
to be in darkness; and when a rich man confers wealth upon
a poor man, the poor man ceases to be in poverty. Just so
surely, when justification is conferred upon the ungodly, his
ungodliness is done away. His godliness is not the ground upon
which the gift was awarded. But just as sight and riches come
from outside, so a life of godliness comes out of the gift of
justification.
"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet
the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of
escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations
such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for
us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righ-
teousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your
Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake
you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place
of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if
you had not sinned."—Steps
to Christ,
page 62.
What Old Testament example does Paul use to prove
that justification by faith is imbedded in the Scriptures
of the old covenant? Rom. 4:1-3.
If you were walking in a dark place, not knowing
the road, and someone offered you a light, would you
refuse to accept it? But have you fully accepted the provi-
sion of the light of the gospel? Have you accepted the
pardon which Jesus offers for all your sins?
"Having made us righteous through
the imputed righteousness of Christ,
God pronounces us just, and treats us
as just. He looks upon us as His dear
children. Christ works against the
power of sin, and where sin abounded,
grace much more abounds. 'Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
by whom also we have access by faith
into this grace wherein we stand, and
rejoice in hope of the glory of God.'"
—"Selected Messages," Bk. 1, p. 394.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages,' ' Bk. 1, pp. 330, 367, 377, 389, 391.
4—AQT2-71
25
Part 5
NOT THROUGH LAW
BUT THROUGH FAITH
Rom. 4:13
Thursday
April 13
"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the
world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the
law, but through the righteousness of faith."
"The Bible plainly teaches that the promises made to Abra-
ham are to be fulfilled through Christ. All that are Christ's are
`Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise'—heirs to
`an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth
not away'—the earth freed from the curse of
sin."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 170.
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
What argument does Paul make to point out the con-
nection between law and promise? Rom. 4:13-15.
"The fulfillment of God's promise may seem to be long de-
layed—for 'one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and
a thousand years as one day' . . . ; it may appear to tarry; but
at the appointed time 'it will surely come, it will not tarry.'
. . . The gift to Abraham and his seed included not merely the
land of Canaan, but the whole earth. So says the apostle, `The
promise, that he should be the
heir of the world,
was not to
Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the
righteousness of faith.' . . . And the Bible plainly teaches that
the promises made to Abraham are to be fulfilled through
Christ."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 170.
To how many is the promise made sure through faith?
Rom. 4:16, 17.
The expression, "a father of many nations," is taken from
Gen. 17:5. God gave him that name because He foresaw the
multitudes from among all peoples who would exercise the
same faith that Abraham manifested.
THINK IT THROUGH
If a man is truly free only in proportion as he lives
within God's law, then how free am I?
"The Saviour longs to manifest His
grace and stamp His character on the
whole world. It is His purchased posses-
sion, and He desires to make men free,
and pure, and holy. Though Satan
works to hinder this purpose, yet
through the blood shed for the world
there are triumphs to be achieved that
will bring glory to God and the Lamb.
Christ will not be satisfied till the vic-
tory is complete, and 'He shall see of
the travail of His soul, and shall be
satisfied.' Isa. 53:11."—"The Desire of
Ages," pages 827, 828.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 170; "Gospel Workers,"
pages 161, 162, 301.
26
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
THINK IT THROUGH
Friday
April 14
"He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God
through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to
God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had prom-
ised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was
imputed to him for righteousness."
It was God's purpose that Abraham should be an outstand-
ing example of the power of faith. It was therefore necessary
that his faith should be tested in a special way. To this end
God gave him a promise that in his seed should all the nations
of the earth be blessed, and yet for many years he remained
without an heir. His faith triumphed through it all, and he
believed the promises of God. By such unquestioning faith and
confidence Abraham brought glory to God. The more difficult
the fulfillment of the promise, the more wonderful was Abra-
ham's faith.
Why was Abraham's faith imputed to him for righ-
teousness? Rom. 4:18-21.
"Faith that enables us to receive God's gifts is itself a gift,
of which some measure is imparted to every human being. It
grows as exercised in appropriating the Word of God. In order
to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the
Word."—Education,
pages 253, 254.
To whom else shall faith be imputed for righteousness?
Rom. 4:24, 25.
Being justified, or accounted righteous, I have a title
to heaven. Am I growing as I should through sanctifica-
tion? Do I love God and His Word better as the days go
by?
Part 6
IMPUTED
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Rom. 4:20-22
"When we submit ourselves to Christ,
the heart is united with His heart, the
will is merged in His will, the mind be-
comes one with His mind, the thoughts
are brought into captivity to Him; we
live His life. This is what it means to
be clothed with the garment of His
righteousness. Then as the Lord looks
upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf gar-
ment, not the nakedness and deformity
of sin, but His own robe of righteous-
ness, which is perfect obedience to the
law of Jehovah....
"Righteousness is rightdoing, and it
is by their deeds that all will be judged.
Our characters are revealed by what
we do. The works show whether the
faith is genuine."—"Christ's Object Les-
sons," page 312.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 215, 236-241, 317, 363,
392.
27
Made Right With God by Faith
LESSON 3
April 15
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1. How many ways are listed by which man may obtain righteousness?
2.
Complete: "It is one
, which shall justify the circumcision by
, and
through faith."
3.
True or False: God uses grace to make His law of none effect
4.
Complete: "Abraham
, and it was
unto him
for
5.
True or False: The Bible teaches that the promises made to Abraham are
fulfilled through Christ.
6.
What does imputed righteousness do for the person who accepts it?
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28
LESSON 4
April I6-22
JUSTIFICATION VERSUS CONDEMNATION
4
"One step off a precipice consti-
tutes the fall that kills. Negatives
are like that. Christ, on the other
hand, had to finish His work in
order to attain its goal and result.
Positives are like that." R. C. H.
Lenski.
"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.
Many passages of Scripture show that
God alone justifies. See Micah 6:7; Ps.
49:7; Isa. 45:21, 22.
"Paul has plainly shown that all men,
Jews and Gentiles alike, are sinners under
condemnation and in need of righteousness.
He has proved that this need of righteous-
ness cannot be met legalistically by works of
obedience (ch. 3:20). But as revealed in the
good news of the gospel, God has done
everything necessary to supply man's need.
God offers to everyone, as a free gift of His
grace, complete pardon and reconciliation
through faith in Jesus Christ, who has lived,
died, and risen again for the redemption
and restoration of fallen man. Having thus
established the doctrine of righteousness by
faith as the only way in which Jews and
Gentiles together may, like Abraham, ob-
tain justification, Paul now proceeds to ex-
plain some of the benefits that come to
those who have shared in this saving ex-
perience."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Rom. 5:1.
29
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Peace Through Christ
Rom. 5:1, 2
2.
Christ Died for the Ungodly
Rom. 5:5-8
3.
Saved From Wrath and
Reconciled
Rom. 5:9, 10
4.
Relationship Between Sin and
Law
Rom. 5:12, 13
5.
From Condemnation to
Justification
Rom. 5:18, 19
6.
Death and Resurrection
Rom. 6:1-4
29
Part 1
PEACE THROUGH
CHRIST
Rom. 5:1, 2
THINK IT THROUGH
Sunday
April 16
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we
have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
A man who owes a debt can be justified only when that debt
is paid, either by him or by someone who pays it on his
behalf. Similarly, a man defiled in sin can be justified. The only
way by which God can count a sinner righteous is through
justification. Faith unites a man with Christ and enables him
to appropriate the Saviour's righteousness.
"Christ is 'the Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), and it is His
mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has
broken. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 5:1. Whoever con-
sents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ,
becomes a partaker of this heavenly
peace."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
page 27.
In what other experience should the Christian rejoice?
Rom. 5:3.
What blessing in addition to peace does the believer
receive through Christ? Rom. 5:3, 4.
Having spoken of rejoicing in God, Paul now declares that
the Christian should rejoice in tribulations also. Not, that is, in
the sense of enjoying them while he endures them (for the
children of God suffer when they experience pain, depression,
et cetera), but in the knowledge that trials develop endurance,
provide experience, and inspire hope.
The word translated "patience" includes the qualities of
endurance and constancy. Certainly God is seeking not.only one
who will merely endure suffering, but one who will speak up
when his godly witness is needed.
The English word "tribulation" comes from the Old Latin
word
tribulum,
a threshing instrument used to pound out the
grain.
Jesus never spoke of the cross as His, but always as
ours. What important lesson does this have for me?
Justification Versus Condemnation
LESSON 4
"Whoever consents to renounce sin
and open his heart to the love of Christ,
becomes a partaker of this heavenly
peace. There is no other ground of
peace than this. The grace of Christ,
received into the heart, subdues en-
mity; it allays strife and fills the soul
30
with love. He who is at peace with
God and his fellowmen cannot be made
miserable. Envy will not be in his heart;
evil surmisings will find no room there;
hatred cannot exist."—Ellen G. White,
"In Heavenly Places," page 35.
Justification Versus
Condemnation
LESSON 4
Monday
April 17
Part 2
"Hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God
CHRIST DIED is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is
FOR THE UNGODLY given unto us. For when we were yet without strength,
in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for
a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a
good man some would even dare to die. But God corn-
mendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet
Rom. 5:5-8
sinners, Christ died for us."
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every pur-
pose under the heaven," wrote Solomon (Eccl. 3:1) ; thus there
was an appropriate time for the manifestation of God in the
flesh. When the world was weary of waiting, like a sufferer
worn out with a long sickness, in "due" time, the Saviour came.
Christ was a friend to us in our time of urgent need. We
were in sin. We did not deserve the great sacrifice He came to
make on our behalf. Our utter unworthiness is the measure of
His infinite, condescending love. From a human standpoint,
He had every reason to abandon us to our fate; but He did
not, and therein lies the supreme vindication of the divine char-
acter and government.
What basis did Paul have for being so certain that
"hope maketh not ashamed"? Ps. 22:5.
In what way is the "due time" of Christ's first coming
elsewhere referred to in Scripture? Gal. 4:4; Mark 1:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
God commended, not His wisdom, power, holiness, or
wealth, toward us, but His love. While we were at the
worst, He did the best for us. What are we doing for Him?
"Think of how much it cost Christ to
leave the heavenly courts, and take His
position at the head of humanity. Why
did He do this? Because He was the
only one who could redeem the fallen
race. There was not a human being in
the world who was without sin. The Son
of God stepped down from His heav-
enly throne, laid off His royal robe and
kingly crown, and clothed His divinity
with humanity. He came to die for us,
to lie in the tomb as human beings
must, and to be raised for our justifica-
tion. He came to become acquainted
with all the temptations wherewith man
is beset. He rose from the grave and
proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of
Joseph, 'I am the resurrection, and the
life.' One equal with God passed
through death in our behalf."—Ellen G.
White, "In Heavenly Places," page 13.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," pages 369, 370; "Testimonies," Vol.
6, pages 479-482.
31
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
April 18
"Much more then, being now justified by His blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when
we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the
death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall
be saved by His life."
The death of Christ was substitutionary. We might compare
it to the death of a mother bird hovering over her young in
order to protect them, and giving her own life that they might
live. Christ is our protection against the fiery darts of tempta-
tion the evil one hurls at us, and our shield against the sting
of eternal death that would otherwise be the inevitable result
of sin. He overcame sin and its penalty, death, in order that we
might overcome.
What is reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:18-20.
What does reconciliation bring to the sinner? Rom.
5:11.
The believer is fully reconciled to the Father. There is now
no gulf of separation, for the justified one has benefited by
Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Reconciliation begins with a con-
viction of sin and is followed by repentance, remission of sin,
partaking of the divine nature, and adoption into the family
of God.
"Christ's sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete.
The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work
for which He had come to this world had been accomplished."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 29.
Have I with the eye of faith beheld Jesus uplifted on
the cross for my redemption? Is He real to me? Do I
know with what infinite patience and love His face is
turned toward me, seeking to win me from death to life?
Part 3
SAVED FROM WRATH
AND RECONCILED
Rom. 5:9, 10
Justification Versus Condemnation
LESSON 4
"Reconciliation means that every bar-
rier between the soul and God is re-
moved, and that the sinner realizes
what the pardoning love of God means.
By reason of the sacrifice made by
Christ for fallen men, God can justly
pardon the transgressor who accepts
the merits of Christ. Christ was the
channel through which the mercy, love,
and righteousness might flow from the
heart of God to the heart of the sinner."
—"Selected Messages," Bk. 1, p. 396.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol. 9, pp. 191-193; "Selected Messages,"
Bk. 1, pp. 326-330.
32
Part 4
RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN
SIN AND LAW
Rom. 5:12, 13
Wednesday
April 19
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,
and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned: (for until the law sin was in the
world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law)."
Sin entered the world as a wolf into a fold, as a plague into
a house, as an enemy to destroy, as a thief to rob, as a poison
to contaminate. Furthermore, it was "by one man" that "sin
entered into the world." Sin is "the transgression of the law,"
and the "one man" by whom it entered into the world was
Adam. Satan, filled with malignant hatred against God, became
the tempter. Our first parents yielded, thus changing the course
of nature and bringing about consequences which will be felt
till the end of time.
Justification Versus Condemnation
LESSON 4
What is the difference between Adam's sin and the
sins of his descendants? Rom. 5:14.
"Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he
did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the
fallen race had not God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought
immortality within their reach. While 'death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned,' Christ 'bath brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel.'
"—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 533.
What is the relationship between Adam's sin and the
law?
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I take sin seriously? Do I appreciate the intense
suffering of Jesus on my behalf?
"With what intense interest the whole
universe watched the conflict that was
to decide the position of Adam and Eve.
How attentively the angels listened to
the words of Satan, the originator of
sin, as he . . . sought to make of none
effect the law of God through his de-
ceptive reasoning! How anxiously they
waited to see if the holy pair would be
deluded by the tempter, and yield to
his arts! They asked therbselves, Will
the holy pair transfer their faith and
love from the Father and Son to Satan?
Will they accept his falsehoods as
truth?
"Adam and Eve persuaded them-
selves that in so small a matter as eat-
ing of the forbidden fruit, there could
not result such terrible consequences as
God had declared. But this small matter
was sin, the transgression of God's im-
mutable and holy law, and it opened
the floodgates of death and untold woe
upon our world. . . . Let us not esteem
sin as a trivial thing."—Ellen G. White,
"That I May Know Him," page 14.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"Early Writings," page 149.
33
5— AQT2-7 1
THINK IT THROUGH
El Thursday
April
20
"Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came
upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteous-
ness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justifica-
tion of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were
made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many
be made righteous."
Both sin and death entered the world by the first man,
Adam. The origin of evil is a deep mystery, but its introduc-
tion to our world is a historical fact clearly stated in the Bible.
God made Adam the father of all living, and gave him dominion
over all creation. But Adam failed. He was this world's original
sinner, and his descendants today continue to sin and die. Only
the grace of God can keep them from becoming victims of their
own transgression.
What result came from Adam's disobedience? Rom.
5:18-20.
"Man has fallen; and it will be the work of a lifetime, be
it longer or shorter, to recover from that fall, and regain,
through Christ, the image of the divine, which he lost by sin
and continued transgression. God requires a thorough transfor-
mation of soul, body, and spirit in order to regain the estate
lost through
Adam."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 448.
"To learn of Christ means to receive His grace, which is His
character. But those who do not appreciate and utilize the
precious opportunities and sacred influences granted them on
earth, are not fitted to take part in the pure devotion of heaven.
Their characters are not molded according to the divine simili-
tude. By their own neglect they have formed a chasm which
nothing can
bridge."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 271.
Do we appreciate the great honor God has bestowed
upon us, of making us His sons and daughters, heirs of
His kingdom?
Part 5
FROM
CONDEMNATION
TO JUSTIFICATION
Rom. 5:18, 19
Justification Versus Condemnation
LESSON 4
"Christ was tempted by Satan in a lived the law of God, and honored it
hundredfold severer manner than was in a world of transgression, revealing
Adam, and under circumstances in ev-
to the heavenly universe, to Satan, and
ery way more trying. The deceiver to all the fallen sons and daughters of
presented himself as an angel of light, Adam that through His grace humanity
but Christ withstood his temptations. can keep the law of God. He came to
He redeemed Adam's disgraceful fall, impart His own divine nature, His own
and saved the world. . . .
jci.e, to the repentant, believing
"In His human nature He maintained
-
sOur"—Ellen G. White, "My Life Today,"
the purity of His divine character. He
page 323.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 384.
34
Justification Versus Condemnation
LESSON 4
Friday
April 21
Part 6
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin,
DEATH AND that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that
RESURRECTION are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not,
that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ
were bapized into His death? Therefore we are buried
with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even
Rom. 6:1-4 so we also should walk in newness of life."
Abounding sin required abounding grace. Those who accept
the provisions of the gospel renounce sin and are "dead" to it.
"Those who have put on Christ by baptism, by this act
showing their separation from the world, and that they have
covenanted to walk in newness of life, should not set up idols
in their hearts. Those who have once rejoiced in the evidence
of sins forgiven, who have tasted the Saviour's love and who
then persist in uniting with the foes of Christ, rejecting the
perfect righteousness that Jesus offers them and choosing the
ways that He has condemned, will be more severely judged
than the heathen who have never had the light and have never
known God or His law."—T
estimonies,
Vol. 3, pp. 365, 366.
What is the underlying purpose of baptism? Rom.
6:5-1 1.
Baptism is, first, a figure of the death of the believer to sin.
Then, having been buried with Christ, we rise with Him in
newness of life. Christ was raised by "the glory of the Father"
so that we might begin a new kind of life.
What three great gospel facts does baptism represent?
1 Cor. 15:3,4.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I as diligent in living by my baptismal vows as
when I first accepted Christ?
"Christ made baptism the entrance their new relations. Publicly they have
to His spiritual kingdom. . . . Those
declared that they will no longer live
who receive the ordinance of baptism
in pride and self-indulgence. . . . They
thereby make a public declaration that are bound by a solemn covenant to live
they have renounced the world, and to the Lord. They are to use for Him all
have become members of the royal their entrusted capabilities."—Ellen G.
family. . . .
White Comments, "SDA Bible Commen-
"Those who do this are to make all
tary," Vol. 6, p. 1075.
worldly considerations secondary to
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Child Guidance," page 499.
35
Justification Versus Condemnation
LESSON 4
April 22
Part 7 '
0
' SUMMARY QUESTIONS G
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
True or False: Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to
Jesus becomes a partaker of His heavenly peace.
2.
At what time in our experience did God commend His love toward us?
3.
Complete: "Much more then, being now
by His
, we
shall be
from
through
,,
4.
Multiple choice: Adam violated a command of God that was
(a)
not un-
derstood
(b)
specific and plain (e) only comprehended afterward.

5.
Complete: "But where
abounded,
did much more
23
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36
LESSON 5
April 23-29
CHRIST, THE DELIVERER FROM SIN
5
"If a judge pardons and releases
a thief who has deserved the
gallows, this is abrogating the
law through grace. If, now, the
thief were rashly to conclude and
boast: I am now under grace and
may do as I please, for now there
is no law of which I need be
afraid—who would put up with
such a fellow?" Martin Luther.
"Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your
fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." Rom. 6:22.
"The Christian does not look for salva-
tion legalistically, as if he could be saved
by his own works of obedience. . . He
acknowledges that he is a transgressor of
the divine law, that in his own strength he
is wholly incapable of fulfilling its require-
ments, that he justly deserves to be under
its condemnation, and surrenders himself
through faith in Christ to the grace and
mercy of God. Then, by the grace of God
. . . his sinful past is forgiven and he re-
ceives divine power to walk in newness of
life. When a man is 'under law,' despite his
best efforts sin continues to have dominion
over him, because the law cannot set him
free from the power of sin. Under grace,
however, the struggle against sin is no
longer a forlorn hope, but a certain tri-
umph."—SDA
Bible Contmentary,
on Rom.
6 : 14.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Sin Not to Reign
Rom. 6:12, 13
2.
A Wonderful Promise
Rom. 6:14, 15
3.
From Servants of Sin
to Servants of God
Rom. 6:19-22
4.
Marriage Law Binding for Life
Rom. 7: 1 -3
5.
Carnal Nature and the Law
Rom. 7:13-16
6.
A Clash of Laws
Rom. 7:17-20
37
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin
LESSON 5
Sunday
April 23
Part 1
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that
SIN NOT TO REIGN ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye
your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto
sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive
from the dead, and your members as instruments of
Rom. 6:12, 13
righteousness unto God."
Peace, moral beauty, and strength are destroyed wherever
sin has the ruling power. It is a cancer that eats its way grad-
ually, yet effectually, to the very roots of our being. We are
all subject to some authority; it is for us to decide whose
government it will be. We cannot govern ourselves; we must
serve either righteousness or sin. How thankful we ought to be
that there is a higher, stronger, purer power ready to enter the
heart and rule there. We are under no obligation to let sin
have the throne. The Holy Spirit is willing to govern if man
will open his heart and let Him have His way.
"I was referred to this scripture: [Rom. 6:12, 13, quoted].
. . . Professed Christians, if no further light is given you than
that contained in this text, you will be without excuse if you
suffer yourselves to be controlled by base passions."—Counsels
on Health,
page 569.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does Paul emphasize the relationship of the
physical body to the Christian's experience? Rom. 6:12,
13.
In what graphic words does Paul describe his own
fight against the lusts of the flesh? 1 Cor. 9:27.
Do I keep constant guard against the entrance of sin
to which I know I am prone? If I do not, and sin has my
consent, it is said to reign over me.
"In this conflict of righteousness
against unrighteousness we can be suc-
cessful only by divine aid. Our finite
will must be brought into submission
to the will of the Infinite; the human
will must be blended with the divine.
This will bring the Holy Spirit to our
aid; and every conquest will tend to the
recovery of God's purchased possession,
to the restoration of His image in the
soul."—"Messages to Young People,"
page 55.
"When you suffer the fires of unhal-
lowed passion to light up the eye, when
you speak words that drive the holy
angels from you, when you think evil
of your brethren, when you profane
your hands with the gains of ungodli-
ness, you are yielding your members
as instruments of unrighteousness."—
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 116.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 117-121.
38
Part 2
A WONDERFUL
PROMISE
Rom. 6:14, 15
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
April 24
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are
not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall
we sin, because we are not under the law, but under
grace? God forbid."
We must never forget that it is the nature of sin to grow.
Weeds generally grow faster than flowers. First, there is an
empty space, a life unfenced, no sense of danger. Sin enters
unobserved and grows stronger and stronger until it over-
shadows the whole moral being.
What promise is given those who yield themselves to
God? Rom. 6:14, 15.
Sin shall not be allowed to rule over us because of our faith
in Christ's atoning death on the cross and our death to sin. The
penalty demanded by the law has been paid; therefore be-
lievers are not subject to the law's claims. In contrast, the
believer is now under grace; that is, he is the subject of God's
gracious kindness, and God imparts the grace that enables His
children to conquer sin.
If
we are not under sin's dominion, can we still be
slaves? Rom. 6:16.
"From the slavery of sin it is possible to pass into the service
and slavery of God. We may get free from sin, and then shall
we be at liberty to serve God and be His slaves. . . . The
slavery . . . is a yielding of ourselves. In both slaveries we must
remember that the will is not forced, but free. . . . No one
forces our hand."—The
Pulpit Commentary,
on Rom. 6:12-23,
page 180.
Am I content to be a servant of Satan, or am I earnestly
striving to serve the Lord? Has sin warped my judgment
and dimmed my eyes to what I ought to do to bring my
life into harmony with Heaven?
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin
LESSON 5
ing up a constant warfare. Here is
where Christ's help is needed. Human
weakness becomes united to divine
strength, and faith exclaims, 'Thanks
be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!'"—"Mes-
sages to Young People," page 114.
"If we indulge anger, lust, covetous-
ness, hatred, selfishness, or any other
sin, we become servants of sin. 'No man
can serve two masters.' If we serve sin,
we cannot serve Christ. The Christian
will feel the promptings of sin, for the
flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the
Spirit striveth against the flesh, keep-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 130-132.
39
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin
LESSON 5
Tuesday
April 25
Part 3
"I speak after the manner of men because of the
FROM SERVANTS infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your mem-
OF SIN TO bers servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniq-
SERVANTS OF GOD uity; even so now yield your members servants to righ-
teousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants
of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had
ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?
for the end of those things is death. But now being made
free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have
Rom. 6:19-22
your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."
There is no condition so sad as that of a slave, and no slavery
so hard as that of sin. There was once a tyrant who ordered
one of his subjects to make an iron chain of a certain length.
The man completed the task, and the tyrant bade him make
it longer still. He continued to add link to link, and at length
the cruel taskmaster ordered his servants to bind the worker
with his own chain and cast him into the fire. That hardest of
tyrants, the devil, treats his slaves in like manner.
How does Paul describe the deliverance wrought in the
life of the believer? Rom. 6:19-22.
What is the reward for serving the master of sin?
Rom. 6:23, first part.
What is the reward for serving the Master of righ-
teousness? Rom. 6:23, last part.
THINK IT THROUGH
What fruit in my life indicates that it is freed from
sin? What does the future hold in store for me if I con-
tinue on my present course?
"By pouring the whole treasury of
heaven into this world, by giving us in
Christ all heaven, God has purchased
the will, the affections, the mind, the
soul, of every human being. When man
places himself under the control of
God, the will becomes firm and strong
to do right, the heart is cleansed from
selfishness, and filled with Christlike
love. The mind yields to the authority
of the law of love, and every thought
is brought into captivity to the obedi-
ence of Christ."—Ellen G. White, "Our
High Calling," page 104.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 346-352.
40
Christ, The Deliverer From Sin
LESSON 5
April 29
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Complete: "The
thought is to be
Every
is to
be brought into
to
2.
True or False: We are all subject to some authority. It is for us to decide
whose authority.
3.
Multiple choice: Sanctification is a work that is done
(a)
at baptism,
(b)
at death,
(c)
during all of life,
(d)
at conversion.
4.
Complete: "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become
to
the
by the
of Christ."
5.
True or False: When Paul recognized the true character of the law, he
felt proud of himself as a Christian.
6.
Complete: "Who shall
I thank God through
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21
me from the
of this
Our
Walking With Jesus
LESSON 6
Sunday
April 30
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in
Christ Jesus path made me free from the law of sin and
death."
One natural law often cancels out another. For example, a
child gathering mushrooms might unwittingly eat a poisonous
fungus, with potentially fatal results. But an antidote is given
to counteract the poison. Acting as "the law of life," it sets the
child "free from the law of death" that had already begun to
work in his members. In the spring, in the same way, the law
of life sets the flowers free from winter's law of death. The
"law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" set Lazarus "free from
the law of sin and death" that had imprisoned him in the tomb.
So also the law of life communicated through the Holy Spirit
will set us "free from the law of sin and death" that has so
long reigned in our hearts.
"It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to
stand before the law without shame or remorse."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 51.
How can righteousness be achieved? Rom. 8:3-5.
What does Paul list as the "works of the flesh"? Gal.
5:19-21.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I in captivity to the law of sin—to selfishness,
jealousy, envy,
sensual indulgence, the love of
money? It is not God's will that I should spend my days
bound in this way. I was born to be free.
Part 1
FREEDOM FROM
CONDEMNATION
Rom. 8:1, 2
"While
the Cliristian's life Will be
characterized by humility, it should not
be marked with sadness and self-de-
preciation. It is the privilege of every-
one so to live that God will approve
and bless him. It is not the will of our
heavenly Father that we should be ever
under condemnation and darkness.
There is no evidence of true, humility
in going with the head bowed down
and the heart filled with thoughts of
self. We may go to Jesus and be
cleansed, and stand before the law
without shame and remorse."—"The
Great Controversy," page 477.
"He who opens his heart to the Spirit
of Christ becomes a partaker of that
mighty power which will bring forth
his body from the grave."—"The Desire
of Ages," page 210.
"Every soul that refuses to give him-
self to God is under the control of an-
other power. He is not his own."—
"Ibid.," p. 466.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Steps to Christ," pages 51,
63, 64.
46
Walking With Jesus
LESSON 6
Part 2
RIGHTEOUSNESS
NOT POSSIBLE IN
MAN'S NATURAL
STATE
Rom. 8:6-8
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday.
May 1
"For to be carnally minded is death;
;
but to be spiri-
tually minded is ,life and peace,,Because,the
,
carnal mind
is enmity against God: for it. is not subject to the law of
God, neither, indeed can be. So Then they that are in the
flesh cannot please God."
The phrase "carnal
;
mind" does not necessarily imply gross
sensuality.. It may reflect, no more. than a preference for carnal
things over spiritual things. , Nevertheless, such a mind is "en-
mity against God." It deems His holiness too strict, His justice
too severe,. His truth too inflexible. Even His mercy may seem
abhorrent, because of the humiliating way in which men some-
times 'misrepresent it. The, carnal mind and the law of God
are as far apart as darkness and light.
"We have great victories to gain, and a heaven to lose if
we do not gain them. The carnal heart must be crucified; for
its tendency, is to moral corruption, and the end thereof is
death. Nothing but the life-giving influences of the gospel can
help the
soui."—T.estinionies,
Vol. 5, page 267.
How does sin in the life affect our relationship with
God? Isa. 59:2. In contrast to separation from God, what
is the basis of "life eternal"? John 17:3.
" 'Life' is contrasted with 'death' and,in its highest expres-
sion, which must be in view here, it means the knowledge and
fellowship of God . . . the communion which is the apex of
true religIon. 'Peace' can readily be seen to be the correlate of
life. In this case it is no doubt the subjective effect of peace
with God . . . that is contemplated, the sense of being at one
with God: . . . Peace is the .antithesis of the" aanation and
misery which sin creates."—The
New International Commen-
tary on the New Testament, The Epistle to the Romans,
Vol.
1, pp. 285, 286.
Am I commanded to reconcile myself to God or to
renovate my own nature? If so, should I sit down in de-
spair? No! for God has provided me with a Saviour. ,
"The ability to enjoy the riches of
glory will be developed in proportion to
the desire we have for these riches.
How shall an appreciation of God and
heavenly things be developed unless
it is in this life? If the claims and cares
of the world are allowed to engross all
our time and attention, our spiritual
powers weaken and die for lack of ex-
ercise. In a mind wholly given up
-
to
earthly things every, inlet through which
light from heaven may enter is closed.
God's transfoiming grace cannot be
TeIrs67'
mind
61:
,
character."—Ellen G.
White, "Review
and Herald," May 28,
1901.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 315-316.
47,
Walking With Jesus
LESSON 6
Tuesday
May 2
Part 3
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be
SPIRIT IS LIFE that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man
have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if
Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but
Rom. 8:9, 10
the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
By nature we are blind to spiritual things. We are assured
on the highest authority that the natural man accounts the
things of the Spirit to be foolishness, and that he not only
does not accept but cannot even know them, "because they
are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14. With respect to the
knowledge of Christ in particular our Lord tells us that, as no
man knoweth the Father but the Son, so no man knoweth the
Son but the Father and he to whom God shall be pleased to
reveal Him. The Spirit of God must take of the things that
are Christ's and show them to us (see John 16:14, 15) ; He
must open our minds to understand them. Unless we allow
Him to guide us into all truth, we shall wander in a maze of
ignorance and error to the end of our days and perish at last
through lack of knowledge.
How is the life-giving power of the Spirit expressed?
Rom. 8:11.
What is the result of living after the flesh? What
better experience is there for every believer? Rom. 8:13.
THINK IT THROUGH
Knowing we have Christ as our Redeemer, ought we
not to be willing to break every yoke, sever every tie,
that would bind us to sin and the world?
"Everyone who has tasted of the
powers of the world to come, whether
he be young or old, learned or un-
learned, will be stirred with the spirit
which actuated Christ. The very first
impulse of the renewed heart is to bring
others also to the Saviour. Those who
do not possess this desire give evidence
that they have lost their first love; they
should closely examine their own hearts
in the light of God's Word, and ear-
nestly seek a fresh baptism of the Spirit
of Christ; they should pray for a deeper
comprehension of that wondrous love
which Jesus manifested for us in leav-
ing the realms of glory and coming to
a fallen world to save the perishing."
—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 386.
"The tenderness and mercy that
Christ has revealTd
-
iii
-
His own precious
life will be seen in those who become
sharers of His grace. But 'if any man
have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none
of His.'. . . He is alienated from God,
fitted only for eternal separation from
Him."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page
251.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Christ's Object Lessons," page 251.
48
Walking With Jesus
LESSON 6
Wednesday
May 3
Part 4
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
SONS OF GOD the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of
bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit
Rom. 8:14, 15 of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
As a result of sin, human beings have lost their right to be
sons of God. We are essentially orphans as we wander far from
our Father and live in rebellion against Him. To be reconciled
to God is practically to be made sons again in a fuller sense
than before. Paul speaks of this as adoption (verse 15, KJV) ;
Jesus called it a second birth (John 3:3, 5). This restoration
should be the source of our deepest joy. The son is not simply
saved; he is honored. The returned prodigal is not treated as
a hired servant, but as a privileged heir. Luke 15:22, 23.
Who are designated sons of God? Rom. 8:14, 15.
THINK IT THROUGH
What witness do we have of our relationship with
God? Verse 16.
"You may have the witness of the Spirit that your ways
please God. This is obtained by believing in the Word of God,
by appropriating that Word to your own soul. This is eating
the bread of life, and this will bring eternal life. Compare
scripture with scripture. Study the representation of the life of
a true Christian as delineated in the Word of God."—Ellen G.
White,
In Heavenly Places,
page 144.
What logically follows if we are the children of God?
Rom. 8:17.
What can I see of God's truth, of God's mind, of God's
will, on my own? It involves leading, and I cannot lead
myself. Moreover, the Holy Spirit does not undertake to
lead a spiritual corpse, a soul dead in sins.
"Through trial and persecution the
glory—the character—of God is revealed
in His Cluilen
ones:"The believers in
Christ, hated and persecuted by the
world, are educated and disciplined in
the school of Christ. On earth they walk
in narrow paths; they are purified in
the furnace of affliction. They follow
Christ through sore conflicts; they en-
dure self-denial and experience bitter
disappointments; but thus they learn
the guilt and woe of sin, and they look
upon it with abhorrence. Being par-
takers of Christ's sufferings, they can
look beyond the gloom to the glory,
saying, 'I reckon that the sufferings of
this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall
be revealed in us.' Rom. 8:18."—"The
Acts of the Apostles," pages 576, 577.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," page 28.
7—AQT2-71
49
LESSON 7
May 7-13
GOD'S DEALING WITH JEW AND GENTILE
7
"God owes no one anything. Therefore
He does no one wrong although they
[proud sinners] remain in their hardness
of heart. But God has a way of helping
the lowly and paying little attention to
the great and the wise, no matter how
furious they are." Martin Luther.
"For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I
will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Rom. 9:15.
Paul had a great solicitude for his
brethren in the flesh. Although they were
outwardly moral and religious, they had
committed the greatest sin—the sin of re-
jecting Christ.
"Paul now turns from the triumphant
and joyful climax of chapter 8 to consider
a problem that fills him with 'great heavi-
ness and continual sorrow' (ch. 9:2). Why
is it that the Jews, God's chosen people,
have so largely rejected the gospel? If the
gospel brings sure salvation to God's elect,
why are His chosen people Israel not found
among the heirs of this salvation? If the
good news of salvation is the fulfillment of
the promises made to Israel, then surely
it should meet with the approval of those
for whom it was especially intended. But
instead, it has stirred most of them to bitter
opposition.
"Paul has been preparing the way for his
discussion of this difficult and delicate
question by stressing the fact that, though
the gospel is for both Jew and Gentile, it
is for the Jew first (chs. 1:16; 2:10). . . .
In ch. 3:1 he even began to consider the
problem directly, but his full discussion of
the question has been reserved for chs. 9;
10;
11."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Rom. 9:1.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Apostle's Concern for His
People
Rom. 9:1-3
2.
God's Purpose Not a Failure
Rom. 9:6, 7
3.
Children of Promise
Rom. 9:7-9
4.
God's Mercy Emphasized
Rom. 9:14-16
5.
Gentiles Included in Purpose
of God
Rom. 9:24-26
6.
Reason for Israel's Failure
Rom. 9:32, 33
53
Part 2
GOD'S PURPOSE
NOT A FAILURE
Rom. 9:6, 7
Monday
May 8
"Not as though the word of God hath taken none
effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of 'Israel:
neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they
all children."
God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
LESSON 7
Some possess the name, the form, but deny the power. This
does not suggest that the word of God is without effect. Some
recognize its power, but to others who do not believe, the arm
of the Lord is not revealed.
All men are God's offspring (Acts 17:28), and thus His
children. The pure in heart, the benevolent, and the unrevenge-
ful, these in particular are His children (Matt. 5:43-45). And
if from among the wayward some arise to answer the call
toward purity, then all these are accepted as "children of God
by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:26. Having received Christ
they have received "power [authority] to become the sons of
God." John 1:12.
What does it mean to be a spiritual Jew? Gal. 3:29.
"As a son of Abraham, Christ became, in a special sense, heir
to the covenant promises. . . . By baptism we acquire kinship
to Christ, and through Him acquire the right to participate
in the promises made to Abraham....
"As spiritual children of Abraham, Christians become 'joint-
heirs with Christ.' . . . As Son of God, Christ is likewise heir
to the honor and glory of heaven, and those who believe in
Him fall heir to a position of honor in the universe that would
never have been possible for created beings to enjoy had the
Word not become flesh. . . . As heirs with Abraham to the
covenant prOmises, all who emulate his lofty example of faith
will enter the 'city which hath foundations,' to which he him-
self ever looked forward in faith."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Gal. 3:29.
THINK IT THROUGH I Am I making sure that day by day I am included in
God's lirael?
"God declares, 'I will pour water
upon him that is thirsty, and floods
upon the dry ground.' Unto the upright
there ariseth light in the darkness.' ...
To those who are, seeking for •light, and
who accept it with gladness, the bright
rays from the throne of God will shine."
—"The Desire of Ages," page 47.
"The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul
is still going forth, and it appeals to us
with even greater power than -to those
who heard it in the temple on that last
day of the feast. The fountain is open
for all. The weary and exhausted ones
are offered the refreshing draught of
eternal life. Jesus is still crying, 'Ifany
man thirst, let him come unto Me, and
drink.'"—"Ibid.," p. 454.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 68,69.
55
Tuesday
May
9
Part 3
"In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which
CHILDREN OF are the children of the flesh, these are not the children
PROMISE of God: but the children of the promise are counted for
the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time
Rom. 9:7-9 will I come, and Sarah shall have a son."
The seven words from Rom. 9:7 (above) are quoted from
the Septuagint version as used in Paul's day. Compare Heb.
11:18. There was, however, now a better promise about all the
families of the earth being blessed through a particular seed.
God promised that Abraham's seed would come through Isaac.
Gen. 21:12. In other words, the promise of a Messiah was now
held before them as their highest hope. Isaac and Jacob foresaw
the call through the promised Messiah.
How does Paul state that God's purpose was alto-
gether through the promised seed of faith? Rom. 9:8.
What was to be the relationship between the two
brothers? Rom. 9:12, 13.
"Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious
life. The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright
were an unwelcome and even hateful restraint to him. The law
of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with
Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. . . .
"Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation
that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with
an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 178.
THINK IT THROUGH
As in Isaac's family there was a profane Esau as well
as a godly Jacob, so is the remnant church a mixed com-
pany, as our Saviour teaches by numerous parables. How
do I stand in the church? Am I an Esau or a Jacob?
"The Redeemer will not accept di-
the character that is to stand in the
vided service. Daily the worker for God time of final test. And day by day the
must learn the meaning of self-sur-
believer is working out before men and
render. He must study the Word of God, angels a sublime experiment, showing
learning its meaning and obeying its what the gospel can do for fallen hu-
precepts. Thus he may reach the stan-
man beings."—"Gospel Workers," page
dard of Christian excellence. Day by
113.
day God works with him, perfecting
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 109.
56
God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
LESSON 7
God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
LESSON 7
Wednesday
May 10
Part 4
"What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness
GOD'S MERCY with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have
EMPHASIZED mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have com-
passion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not
of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God
Rom. 9:14-16 that showeth mercy."
Paul now answers two objections that a Jew might raise to
his reasoning about the called seed through Isaac, and in
verse 19 he continues to answer their objections.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does Paul illustrate the sovereignty of God?
Rom. 9:17, 18.
"Though this haughty tyrant [Pharaoh] had by his crimes
forfeited the mercy of God, yet his life had been preserved that
through his stubbornness the Lord might manifest His wonders
in the land of Egypt. The disposing of events is of God's provi-
dence. He could have placed upon the throne a more merciful
king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty mani-
festations of divine power. But in that case the Lord's purposes
would not have been accomplished. His people were permitted
to experience the grinding cruelty of the Egyptians, that they
might not be deceived concerning the debasing influence of
idolatry. In His dealing with Pharaoh, the Lord manifested His
hatred of idolatry and His determination to punish cruelty and
oppression."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 267, 268.
What further illustration is used by Paul to stress
God's sovereignty? Rom. 9:19-23.
Am I willing to be saved? When the Lord says to me,
"Whosoever will, let him come," I cannot say this does
not refer to me. If I am willing, He bids me come and
take the water of life freely.
"The Saviour watches for a response
to His offers of love and forgiveness,
with a more tender compassion than
that which moves the heart of an
earthly parent to forgive a wayward,
suffering son. . . . But if the erring one
persistently refuses to heed the voice
that calls him with pitying, tender love,
he will at last be left in darkness. The
heart that has long slighted God's
mercy, becomes hardened in sin, and
is no longer susceptible to the influence
of the grace of God. Fearful will be the
doom of that soul of whom the plead-
ing Saviour shall finally declare, he 'is
joined to idols: let him alone.' . . . It
will be more tolerable in the day of
judgment for the cities of the plain than
for those who have known the love of
Christ, and yet have turned away to
choose the pleasures of a world of sin."
—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 165.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies to Min isters," pages 202, 203.
57
God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
LESSON 7
Thursday
May 11
Part 5
"Even
us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only,
GENTILES INCLUDED but also of the Gentiles? As He saith also in Hosea, 1 will
IN PURPOSE OF GOD call them My people, which were not My people; and her
beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to
pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye
are not My people; there shall they be called the children
Rom. 9:24-26 of the living God."
Paul strongly intimated that the Jews as a nation were now
to be rejected as God's special people and that the Gentiles were
to be considered in a new light. This he knew was a most offen-
sive subject to many; and therefore he had shown, both from
God's word to Moses and from His dealings with Pharaoh, that
God had a right to communicate His blessings, or execute His
judgments, in His own way and according to His own wisdom.
"Called" is in the sense of the gospel summons, as in 1 Cor.
1:9.
Does He call Jews and Gentiles in the same way?
Rom. 9:24. What had Isaiah said about the remnant?
Rom. 9:27; Isa. 10:22.
What name is given to the once unfaithful who turn
to God through Christ? Rom. 9:26.
What is God's basis in dealing with both Jew and
Gentile? Rom. 9:30, 31.
THINK IT THROUGH • Those who give themselves to Christ become not only
God's people, but God's children; not only His servants,
but His heirs. He manifests the power of divine grace
which can transform "stones" into children. Am I pre-
pared to let Him have His way with me?
"That which God purposed to do for
the world through Israel, the chosen
nation, He will finally accomplish
through His church on earth today. He
has 'let out His vineyard unto other
husbandmen,' even to His covenant-
keeping people, who faithfully 'render
Him the fruits in their seasons.' Never
has the Lord been without true repre-
sentatives on this earth who have made
His interests their own. These witnesses
for God are numbered among the spir-
itual Israel, and to them will be ful-
filled all the covenant promises made
by Jehovah to His ancient people."—
"Prophets and Kings," pages 713, 714.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 376.
58
God's Dealing With Jew and Gentile
LESSON 7
May 13
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
What does the apostle say he wished had happened to him in behalf of
his brethren?
2.
Complete: "And if ye be
, then are ye
seed, and
according to the
)1
3.
True or False: The selection of Jacob over Esau was made before he or
his brother was born.
4.
Complete: "It is not of him that
, nor of him that
but of
that showeth mercy."
5.
True or False: Paul did not believe that the Jews were to be rejected as
a people.
6.
Multiple choice: Our eternal safety depends upon
(a)
associating with
the best people
(b)
working for Christ,
(c)
our building upon Christ as the
sure foundation,
(d)
reading good books.
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60
LESSON 8
May 14-20
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH,
AN OLD TESTAMENT PRINCIPLE
8
"God's light and glory, manifest
to us as gracious privileges and
blessings, if slighted, unused,
unapplied, will lead to the same
results that wrecked Israel of
old." M. C. Wilcox.
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth."
Rom. 10:4.
The topic of justification by faith comes
to many as water to a thirsty traveler. To
all it should be a precious thought.
"The subject he [Paul] discusses in this
chapter is the fact asserted in Rom. 9:31-
33, that Israel had failed to attain to righ-
teousness because they had been seeking for
a righteousness based upon the merits of
their own works. But before entering upon
the painful task of pointing out the failure
and guilt of his own people, Paul renews
his assurance of heartfelt concern for their
salvation."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Rom. 10:1.
He proceeds to cite Moses and Isaiah
and Joel as authority for the fact that only
faith in Christ can bring salvation. He ends
his discourse with the assurance that God
has not rejected His people as individuals.
Salvation is still open to them and to the
Gentiles alike.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Zealous but Ignorant
Rom. 10:1-3
2.
Moses' Declaration
Rom. 10:5-7
3.
The Basis of Faith
Rom. 10:14, 15, 17
4.
Israel's Lack of Comprehension
Rom. 10:19-21
5.
Paul's Own Experience
Rom. 11:1, 2
6.
By Grace, Not Works
Rom. 11:5, 6
61
Justification by Faith, an Old Testament
LESSON 8
Sunday
Principle
May 14
Part 1
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for
ZEALOUS BUT Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record
IGNORANT that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowl-
edge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and
going about to establish their own righteousness, have
Rom. 10:1-3 not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
It was his "heart's desire." Not all today who are interested
in the salvation of men are influenced by Paul's great yearning
for Israel "that they might be saved." This great burden shows
that all included in this desire (9:3) were not beyond hope.
Compare Rom. 11:23.
What does Rom. 10:2 teach us about the relationship be-
tween earnestness and correct knowledge? Earnestness that is
not built on an intelligent knowledge of God's truth may leave
us unsaved. Our zeal must be based on true knowledge.
"It was no ordinary desire that the apostle felt. Constantly
he was petitioning God to work in behalf of the Israelites who
had failed to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Mes-
siah."
The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 374.
Whom did the Jews fail to see in the law? Rom. 10:4.
How did the Jews seek to "establish" their own righ-
teousness?
THINK IT THROUGH
"They were unable to discern the deep spiritual significance
of their symbolic service. In their self-righteousness they trusted
to their own works, to the sacrifices and ordinances themselves,
instead of relying upon the merits of Him to whom all these
things pointed. Thus 'going about to establish their own righ-
teousness' . . . , they built themselves up in a self-sufficient
formalism."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 708, 709.
The heart that goes up first to God must then go out
to men. Often the shortest and surest way to reach men
is by way of God's throne. Am I now working and pray-
ing for the salvation of some soul?
"Priests and rulers became fixed in
a rut of ceremonialism. They were sat-
isfied with a legal religion, and it was
impossible for them to give to others the
living truths of heaven. They thought
their own righteousness all-sufficient,
and did not desire that a new element
should be brought into their religion.
The goodwill of God to men they did
not accept as something apart from
themselves,. but connected it with their
own merit because of their good works.
The faith that works by love and puri-
fies the soul could find no place for
union with the religion of the Pharisees,
made up of ceremonies and the injunc-
tions of men."—"The Acts of the Apos-
tles," page 15.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 219.
62
Justification by Faith, an Old Testament
LESSON 8
Principle
Part 3
THE BASIS OF FAITH
Rom. 10:14, 15, 17
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
May 16
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have
not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom
they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a
preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be
sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings
of good things!"
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
Word of God."
Now come four questions arising from the quotation in Rom.
10:14, 15.
What is the first answer? None can call on God unless they
believe in Him. See Heb. 11:6. Joel prophesied that men would
believe and call. Joel 2:32.
How can we believe in God whose voice we have not heard?
In great part through words spoken from burning hearts of
men and women chosen and sent, both by God and by men.
"A preacher." A herald proclaiming good news. Compare
verse 8.
"How beautiful are the feet," et cetera. Quotation from Isa.
52:7, which prophecy found no worthwhile fulfillment in the
return from Babylon (especially not chapter 53) and must have
pointed forward to a great future day.
"The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can
engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers
are colaborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His
purposes. God says to them, Go, teach and preach Christ. In-
struct and educate all who know not of His grace, His good-
ness, and His mercy. Teach the
people."
Gospel Workers,
pages 18, 19.
What was Israel's attitude toward the gospel they
had heard? Rom. 10:16, 18.
Is true devotion to Christ, in my thinking, a luxury of
first-century believers, which can find no lasting home
in our modern civilization? Does my heart find in Him,
as in no one else, its rest? What is my attitude toward
the gospel?
"Here is where thousands fail; they
do not believe that Jesus pardons them
personally, individually. They do not
take God at His word. It is the privilege
of all who comply with the conditions
to know for themselves that pardon is
freely extended for every sin. Put away
the suspicion that God's promises are
not meant for you. They are for every
repentant transgressor. . . . He is wait-
ing to strip them of their garments
stained and polluted with sin, and to
put upon them the white robes of righ-
teousness; He bids them live and not
die."—"Steps to Christ," pages 52, 53.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 100.
64
Justification by Faith, an Old Testament
LESSON 8
Wednesday
Principle
May 17
Part 4
"But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I
ISRAEL'S LACK OF will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people,
COMPREHENSION and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is
very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought
Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not
after Me. But to Israel He saith, All day long I have
stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gain-
Rom. 10:19-21
saying people."
The question expects a negative answer when rendered, "Can
it be that Israel failed to recognize the message?" The quotations
prove that they should have known.
"Moses saith," et cetera, is from Deut. 32:21. In verse 20
Moses called them "children in whom is no faith."
The words, "I will provoke," do not suggest provoking to
anger, but an attempt to stir them up by showing mercy and
love toward other peoples. See Rom. 9:25.
What should the expression "I was found of them that sought
Me not" have done to Jewish thinking? They should have re-
joiced in such an accessible, merciful God. Now it is God in
person who is making Himself to be found, even when the man
is not seeking after Him.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why could the Jews not claim that they had never
heard of righteousness by faith?
"The prophet Isaiah, looking down through the centuries
and witnessing the rejection of prophet after prophet and finally
of the Son of God, was inspired to write concerning the accept-
ance of the Redeemer by those who had never before been
numbered among the children of Israel."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 375.
Another man made the same charge as Paul made.
Acts 7:51-53.
There are in everyday life two ways of waking a man
out of deep slumber. We may shout in his ear and rudely
shake his person; or we may bring a lamp into the room
and leave it burning. The latter is the way God most
often works. Has He left a lamp burning for me that I
have not yet noticed?
"To Isaiah it was given to make very
plain to Judah the truth that among
the Israel of God were to be numbered
many who were not descendants of
Abraham after the flesh. This teaching
was not in harmony with the theology
of his age, yet he fearlessly proclaimed
the messages given him of God and
brought hope to many a longing heart
reaching out after the spiritual blessings
promised to the seed of Abraham."—
"Prophets and Kings," page 367.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 375.
65
Justification by Faith, an
-
Old Testament
LESSON 8
Thursday
Principle
May 18
„ .
Part 5
"I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God
PAUL'S OWN: forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of. the seed of Abra-
- EXPERIENCE - ham, of the tribe of Benjamin, God hath not cast away
Rom. 11:1, 2 His people which He:foreknew."
"Cast away His people" is from the Septuagint version of
Ps. 94:14 ("for the
.
Lord will not cast off His people"), hence
the answer to Paul's question here is that God did not cast
away His remnant in Israel who were of faith. However, hence-
forth they were no longer to be saved as a nation. Even when
admitted into the kingdom of God, into which they still might
enter by "the obedience of faith," they should have no pre-
eminence over their believing Gentile brethren. John 10 : 16.
"Notwithstanding Israel's failure as a nation, there remained
among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved. At
the time of the Saviour's advent there were faithful men and
women who had received with gladness the message of John
the Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophe-
' cies concerning the Messiah; When the early Christian church
was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who
recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the One for whose advent they
had been longing."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 376, 377.
What was Paul seeking to prove by citing his own
tribal descent?
That he was of a remnant of a tribe (Benjamin) that re-
turned from captivity. See Ezra 4:1; 10:9.
What experience does .the apostle cite to establish his
point further? Rom. 11:2-4.
0
.
Why hasn't God cast away His people if they are
unfaithful?
THINK IT THROUGH
There are many who are called. The few are the
chosen who accept the call. Am I among the small minor-
ity whose faith is proved by character and by works?
"The -work for the Jews, as outlined
in' the eleventh chapter of Romans, is
a work that is to be treated with special
wisdom. It is a work that must not be
ignored. The wisdom of God must come
to our people. In all wisdom and righ-
teousness we must clear the King's high-
way. The Jews are to be given every
opportunity of coming to the light."—
Ellen G. White, Letter 96, 1910.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page
171.
66
Justification by Faith, an Old Testament
LESSON 8
El
Friday
Principle
May 19
Part 6
"Even so then at this present time 'also there is a rem-
BY GRACE, nant according to the election of grace. And if by grace,
NOT WORKS then is it no more of works: otherwise grace' is no more
grace. But •if it be of works, then is it no more grace:
Rom. 11:5, 6 otherwise work is no more work."
Grace is pardon to the guilty, restoration to the undone.
It never pauses until it has discovered our low estate, and never
relaxes until it has lifted us from it. Jesus "poured out His
soul unto death" to follow in the train of the sinner who strives
to save himself. The Pharisee' said,' "God, I thank Thee, that
I am not as other men are." Luke 18:11. The publican implored,
"God be merciful to me a,sinner." Verse 13. The gospel repeats,
"By grace are ye saved." Eph. 2:8. And it adds the reason:
"Not of works, lest any man should boast." Verse 9.
THINK IT THROUGH
What disappointment must necessarily come to Israel,
who sought righteousness by works? Rom. 11:7, 8.
"There is no such thing in the Word of God as unconditional
election—once in grace, always in grace. In the second chapter
of Second ,Peter the subject is made plain and distinct. After
a history of sonic who followed an evil course, the explanation
is given: 'which have forsaken the 'right way, . . . following
the way of Balsam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of
unrighteousness.' . . . [2 Peter 2:15-20 quoted.] Here is a class
of whom the apostle warns, Tor it had been better for them
not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they
have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered
unto them.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 6, p. 11.14.
Of what are the willfully impenitent said to be
worthy? Rom. 11:9, 10.
A succession of works forms a habit, a variety of
habits molds a character. This can be good or bad. But
am I proceeding upon the merits of my past conduct, or
am I relying upon the righteousness of Christ?
"Everything must be viewed in the
light of the example of Christ. He is the
truth. He is the true Light that lighteth
every man who cometh into the world.
Listen to His words, copy His example
in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and
look to the merits of Christ for the glory
in character which He possesses to be
bestowed on you. Those who follow
Christ live not to =please themselves.
Human standards are like feeble reeds.
The Lord's standard is perfection of
character."—"Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 419, 420.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p.1114.
67
89
Answers: (I) By works of the law; (2) c; (3) feet, preach, gospel, peace; (4) stretched, disobe-
dient, gainsaying; (5) Benjamin, to show that he had as much heritage to boast of as the rest;
(6) True.
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LESSON 9
May 21-27
THE SOVEREIGNTY AND MERCY OF GOD
9
"He who has chosen Christ has
joined himself to a power that
no array of human wisdom or
strength can overthrow." Ellen
G. White.
"0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Rom. 11:33.
The law of God reveals the love and
mercy of God. It also says something about
His sovereignty, and all of these are dis-
cussed in the lesson before us. In the mem-
ory verse, "depth" suggests something to
deep for man to express about God's wis-
dom. In chapter 8:39 the same word indi-
cates that unfathomable depth cannot sep-
arate us from God's love.
"Riches" is used in Rom. 2:4 and 9:23,
and it expresses God's illimitable goodness
and mercy in saving sinners. In 10:12 it
represents the same rich grace and love
manifested to both Jew and Gentile. God's
judgments and ways in the plan of salva-
tion are beyond man's knowledge.
"God works in us by the light of His
truth, which lighteneth every man that
cometh into the world. The Scriptures refer
to the works of God as they are revealed
in our world, as so many teachers whose
voices have gone out through the whole
earth, proclaiming the attributes of God.
The mind must see the truth, and will bend
to its claims, when it is presented to us
based upon Scriptural evidence."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1080.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Twofold Purpose
Rom. 11:11, 12
2.
Examples of Grafting
Rom. 11:16-20
3.
Goodness and Severity of God
Rom. 11:21-24
4.
God's Unchanging Purpose for
Israel
Rom. 11:28, 29
5.
Conclusions Drawn From Old
Testament
Rom. 11:34-36
6.
Call to Sacrifice and
Nonconformity
Rom. 12:1, 2
69
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
LESSON 9
Sunday
May 21
Part 1
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall?
TWOFOLD PURPOSE God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is
come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and
the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how
Rom. 11:11, 12
much more their fullness?"
The Jews stumbled at "that stumbling stone" and at the
gospel of Christ, and in consequence of their unbelief, preachers
of the first century turned to the Gentiles. However, God makes
all conditions serve the good of His elect. If the individual
Jews stand, it is all to the good. But if they fall, God's pro-
gram still moves on. If they rise again and stand as individuals
saved by the merits of Jesus, this, too, will be marvelous in our
eyes.
Is it possible to "fall" and rise again as Christians?
1 Cor. 10:12; Prov. 24:16.
What did Paul hope to accomplish through the gospel
to the Gentiles? Rom. 11:13, 14.
What comparison is drawn between the casting away
and the receiving of the Hebrew people? Rom. 11:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
Rejection, or casting away, describes what happened to the
nation which might have become the light of the world. As a
result the world was enlightened by Gentile evangelism.
A stumbling block is that which causes men to fall
into a snare or a trap. The gospel, when believed, raises
men to heaven; when rejected, it remains only for men
to fall into the pit of eternal death. To those who have
faith the grace of God brings salvation; to those bound
by unbelief, it is incomprehensible. What is it for me?
"Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is
to be bought and sold... .
"The gospel of Christ is a blessing
that all may possess. The poorest are
as well able as the richest to purchase
salvation; for no amount of worldly
wealth can secure it. It is obtained by
willing obedience, by giving ourselves
to Christ as His own purchased posses-
sion....
"We cannot earn salvation, but we
are to seek for it with as much interest
and perseverance as though we would
abandon everything in the world for
it."—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages
116, 117.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 375-376.
70
El Monday
May 22
Part 2
, "For,,if,the
fi
rstfruit be holy, the lump.is also holy: and
EXAMPLES OF
if the 'root be holy, so are the branches. And if;some of
GRAFTING , the, branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them par-
takest of•,the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not
against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not
the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The
branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well;
because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou
Rom. 11:16:20 standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear."
"Firstfruit" is a term referring to the portion of dough re-
served for the making of a cake for the priests. See Num. 15:17-
21; compare Rom. 8:23. The whole lump becomes holy, so to
speak, in the Christian church.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why were the old branches, cut off? Why were new
ones taking their places? Rom. 11:20.
What custom was to be followed by the Israelites when
they Came into the Promised Land? Num. 15:18-21.
God commanded these ceremonies to teach the Jews that
they received all blessings from the Lord. They were ways
by which they could have recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
"When the early Christian church was founded, it was com-
posed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth
as the one for whose advent they had been longing. It is to
this
-
remnant that Paul refers when he writes, 'If the firstfruit
be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are
the branches!"—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 377.
God had to break off the branches of natural Israel
because they failed to spread the knowledge of salvation
among the nations. Am I better than they in the work of
winning souls?
The Sovereignty and Mercy of. God
',LESSON 9
"This entire chapter is
a
lesson which
I
entreat all who claim to be members
of the body of Christ to study.... Very
plainly these words show that there is
to be no disparaging of the agencies
which God has placed in the church.
"Sanctified ministry calls for self-
denial. The cross must be uplifted and
its place in the gospel work shown.
Human influence is to draw its efficacy
from the One who is able to save and
to keep saved all who recognize their
dependence on Him. By the union of
church members with Christ and with
one another the transforming power of
the gospel is to be diffused through-
out the world."—"Testimonies," Vol. 6,
pages 239, 240.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's
Object Lessons," page 306.
71
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
LESSON 9
Tuesday
May 23
Part 3
"For if God spared not the natural branches, take
GOODNESS AND heed lest He also spare not thee. Behold therefore the
SEVERITY OF GOD goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, sever-
ity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they
also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted
in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert
cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert
grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how
much more shall these, which be the natural branches,
Rom. 11:21-24 be grafted into their own olive tree?"
The "fear" in verse 20 is here given a reason. God is not
disposed to tolerate in His vineyard those who only cumber
the ground. If an Israelite be left out of the reckoning, what
will happen to a Canaanite, or a hyprocrite, or a rebel? God's
goodness and severity are conditional on the faith or unbelief
of the branches, whether they are natural or grafted.
THINK IT THROUGH
For what purpose does Paul mention the two char-
acteristics of God? Rom. 11:22.
What was the underlying cause of Israel's rejection?
Rom. 11:25.
What provision will yet be effective for Israel? Rom.
11:26, 27.
Am I putting off the idea of uniting myself fully to
Christ until I have tasted more of the pleasures of the
world, and thereby creating the probability that I may
never know the fullness of His blessing and His presence?
Am I becoming a little too sure of myself because I am
of the "remnant church"? Could the same thing happen
today that happened in Israel's time?
"God's dealings with the Gentiles
tion they enjoy. But on the other hand,
show that He is full of kindness and God's treatment of the Jews reveals the
long-suffering toward men. . . . His severity He must exercise upon those
goodness will always be shown toward who trust in themselves."—"SDA Bible
those who trust in Him rather than in Commentary," on Rom. 11:22.
their own merits or the privileged posi-
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 47.
72
Wednesday.
May 24
"As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your
sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for
the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are
without repentance."
What unbelieving Jews rejected in enmity, the believing Gen-
tiles accepted in faith and love. But unbelievers are still God's
friends if they turn to Him.
"For the fathers' sakes" probably means that the promises
to the faithful fathers were still regarded by God as open to the
children who elected to accept them, and thus become children
of the election, or the elect children of God. They are still
"beloved of God."
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
LESSON 9
Part 4
GOD'S
UNCHANGING
PURPOSE FOR
ISRAEL
Rom. 11:28,29
THINK IT THROUGH
How will divine mercy extended to the Gentiles affect
the Jews? Rom. 11:30-32.
The Gentile nations were then heathen, but now number
millions of believers; the Jews became hostile in refusing faith
in Jesus, but many of them will yet find a way to accept Him
through the mercy extended to the Gentiles. Verse 32 states
the divine prophecy, which is that God has included the whole
world as candidates for salvation by the exercise of individual
faith.
What is said of God's wisdom? Rom. 11:33.
God loved the world for His own sake. He loves sin-
ners also for His Son's sake. His love to fathers is remem-
bered in behalf of their children. Lev. 26:42. Children
are loved for their parents' sakes. How privileged I am
if I have godly parents. How great is my responsibility!
How deep should be my gratitude!
"Even Paul, with his great intellect
and his keen insight into the things of
God, is constrained to acknowledge
that God's decisions and ways are be-
yond man's limited understanding. God
reveals to us as much of His wisdom
and purposes as is for our best good.
Beyond that we must rely upon the
ample evidences of His love, mercy, and
power."—"SDA Bible Commentary," on
Rom. 11:33.
"There is need today of such a revi-
val of true heart religion as was ex-
perienced by ancient Israel. Repentance
is the first step that must be taken by
all who would return to God. No one
can do this work for another. We must
individually humble our souls before
God and put away our idols. When we
have done all that we can do, the Lord
will manifest to us His salvation."—
"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 590.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 720.
73
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
LESSON 9
Part 5
CONCLUSIONS
DRAWN FROM
OLD TESTAMENT
Rom. 11:34-36
THINK IT THROUGH
Thursday
May 25
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who
hath been His counselor? or who hath first given to Him,
and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him,
and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom
be glory forever. Amen."
"Who hath known the mind of the Lord?" is taken from
Isa. 40:13. Our knowledge is theoretical, but God's wisdom is
practical. His gifts are not given for something He first re-
ceived from us. They are favors given freely (Job. 41:11), for
He is the beginning, continuance, and end of all things except
sin.
What Old Testament characters does Paul quote? Isa.
40:13; Job 41:11.
"We are wholly dependent upon God, and our faith is
strengthened by still believing, though we cannot see God's
purpose in His dealing with us, or the consequence of this
dealing."—Temperance,
page 195.
What is one of the most conclusive proofs of the deity
of Christ? Rom. 11:36. Compare Col. 1:16.
"If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The
words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need
be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest
sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed
forevermore."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1126.
Man knows only what God reveals. Do we talk as
though we know God's mind on everything? Christ is the
fullest revelation of God, but do we know all the mys-
teries surrounding His incarnation, nature, and resurrec-
tion? Does this increase my awe and reverence for the
Deity?
"As we learn more and more of what
God is, and of what we ourselves are
in His sight, we shall fear and tremble
before Him. Let men of today take
warning from the fate of those who in
ancient times presumed to make free
with that which God had declared sa-
cred. When the Israelites ventured to
open the ark on its return from the
land of the Philistines, their irreverent
daring was signally punished."—"The
Ministry of Healing," pages 435, 436.
"No mortal mind can penetrate the
secrecy in which the Mighty One dwells
and works. Only that which He sees fit
to reveal can we comprehend of Him.
Reason must acknowledge an authority
superior to itself. Heart and intellect
must bow to the great I AM."—"Ibid.,"
p. 438.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 433, 434.
74
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
LESSON 9
Friday
May
26
Part 6
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
CALL TO God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
SACRIFICE AND acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
NONCONFORMITY And be not conformed to this world: but be ye trans-
formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
Rom. 12:1, 2 God."
Paul now makes practical application of the doctrine of righ-
teousness by faith by reference to the Old Testament sacrifices
—which to have any moral value must be dead. The sacrifice
of which Paul speaks must be presented living. The believer is
therefore a priest who lays upon the altar his own living body.
And as it was the work of the Jewish priest not only to present
the sacrifice, but to see that it was without blemish and properly
offered, so the Christian's sacrifice is to be kept from all contact
with the degrading or sensual. Hence it is to be "acceptable to
God" as our reasonable service.
"In that ancient ritual, which was the gospel in symbol, no
blemished offering could be brought to God's altar. The sacri-
fice that was to represent Christ must be spotless. The Word
of God points to this as an illustration of what His children
are to be—`a living sacrifice,' holy and without blemish,' well-
pleasing to God.'
"—The Ministry of Healing,
page 130.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does Paul esteem the human body? 1 Cor. 6:13,
15-20; 7:4, 34; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8, 10.
Is God's will for each individual fixed by predeter-
mined purpose, or is it related to the believer's obedience
to the commandments? Matt. 7:21; Acts 13:22; Eph. 5:17.
The priestly service is required of all believers without
distinction. Have I been anointed with the Holy Spirit?
Have I been called and separated and consecrated to
God's service?
"The apostle entreats his brethren to
consecrate their bodies to God. . . .
When we pursue a course to lessen
mental and physical vigor—in eating,
drinking, or in any of our habits—we
dishonor God, for we rob Him of the
service He claims of us. When we in-
dulge appetite at the expense of health,
or when we indulge habits which lessen
our vitality and mental vigor, we can-
not have a high appreciation of the
atonement and a right estimate of eter-
nal things."—Ellen G. White, "In Heav-
enly Places," page 193.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Fundamentals of Christian Education," pages 289,290.
75
The Sovereignty and Mercy of God
LESSON 9
May 27
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
True or False: The poor are not in as fortunate a position as the rich to
obtain salvation, because they are not usually as well educated
2.
Complete: "For if the
the root be holy, so are the
be holy, the
is also holy: and if
3.
Who arc the "natural" branches?
Who are the "grafted"
branches?
4.
Complete: "Our Father in heaven orders everything in
and
5.
What is one of the most conclusive proofs of the deity of Christ)
6.
True or False: The Old Testament sacrifice that represented Christ was
to be without blemish.
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76
LESSON 10
May 28 to June 3
EXHORTATIONS TO CHURCH MEMBERS 1O
"The Christian, filled with the
knowledge of an eternal love,
is told how not to dream, but to
serve, with all the mercies of God
for his motive." Handley C. G.
Moule.
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members
one of another." Rom. 12:4, 5.
In the latter portion of his letter to the
Romans Paul deals with the practical ap-
plication of the gospel in relation to certain
problems faced by the followers of Christ
from that age to the end of time.
In sending these exhortations to the
church, the apostle bases them on the pro-
gressive development of the Christian ex-
perience as presented in the preceding chap-
ters.
"Since the believer has been justified by
faith in Christ and has been restored to a
position of love and trust as an adopted
son of God, he ought to lead a life of purity
and holiness that befits his new status. Paul
thus makes plain that the doctrine of righ-
teousness by faith and salvation by grace
does not encourage or permit lawlessness or
a careless disregard of God's command-
ments."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom.
12:1.
LESSON OUTLINE
Exhortations to Humility
and Unity
Rom. 12:3-5
2.
Brotherly Love
Rom. 12:9, 10
3.
Sympathy and Humility
Rom. 12:15, 16
4.
Right Attitude Toward Enemies
Rom. 12:19-21
5.
Christian's Attitude to Civil
Power
Rom. 13:1, 2
6.
Render to Caesar
Rom. 13:5-7
77
Sunday
May 28
Part 1
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every
EXHORTATIONS man that is among you, not to think of himself more
TO HUMILITY highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, accord-
AND UNITY ing as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
For as we have many members in one body, and all
members have not the same office: so we, being many,
are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of
Rom. 12:3-5
another."
If a man thinks more highly of himself than he ought to
think, he is likely to despise the service to which God has
called him, and thus seek to undertake work which is beyond
his God-given ability. The plan of God will be marred and the
person humiliated, as the task is passed to more humble hands.
In Christ's church the surest way to honorable promotion is by
rendering prompt, earnest, humble service in the position to
which one has been called.
THINK IT THROUGH
What exhortation did Paul give the Roman Christians
in regard to exercising their God-given capabilities? Rom.
12:6-8.
"The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite
together in harmonious effort. It may seem to some that the
contrast between their gifts and the gifts of a fellow laborer
is too great to allow them to unite in harmonious effort; but
when they remember that there are varied minds to be reached,
and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one
laborer, only to open their hearts to God's truth as it is pre-
sented in a different manner by another laborer, they will hope-
fully endeavor to labor together in
unity."—Testimonies,
Vol.
9, p. 145.
Is there danger that I might go to the other extreme
and discount my abilities? Did any Bible characters do
this? See Judges 6:15; 1 Sam. 9:21; 1 Kings 19:4.
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
"The forms of unbelief are varied,
for Satan watches every opportunity to
crowd in some of his attributes. There
is in the natural heart a tendency to be
exalted or puffed up if success attends
the efforts put forth. But self-exaltation
can find no place in the work of God.
Whatever your intelligence, however
earnestly and zealously you may labor,
unless you put away your own tenden-
cies to pride and submit to be guided
by the Spirit of God, you will be on
losing ground."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol.
6, p. 1080.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Education," page 253.
78
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
Monday
May
29
Part 2
"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which
BROTHERLY LOVE is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned
one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring
Rom. 12:9, 10 one another."
When we truly love, there is no need for boasting.
If
we
have love, it will shine forth in the life. Actors represent char-
acters which are not their own without intending to deceive.
But in proportion to the excellence of their performance is
the degree of illusion in the person who beholds it. We should
be certain that we are not merely acting a part in the kindness
we show to men or in the reverence we show to God. We
should feel what we profess to feel. We should think as we
seem to think. Otherwise our lives will be little else than stage
play.
"The fact that we are under so great obligation to Christ
places us under the most sacred obligation to those whom He
died to redeem. We are to manifest toward them the same
sympathy, the same tender compassion and unselfish love, which
Christ has manifested toward us. Selfish ambition, desire for
supremacy, will die when Christ takes possession of the
affec-
tions."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 170.
What are some other attributes manifested by the
Christian? Rom. 12:1 1-13.
THINK IT THROUGH
"These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even
among those who profess to be Christians true hospitality is
little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of show-
ing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege
and blessing. There is altogether too little •sociability, too little
of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the
family board without embarrassment or parade."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
pages 445, 446.
In my church am I attempting to pass off counterfeit
love as the real thing? Do I conceal my lack of love by
hiding behind a mask of words that are supposed to
sound like love?
"As, long as we are in this world, we the very one who needs help the most.
must be linked one with another. Hu-
Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs you as
manity is interlaced and interwoven
you needed him. He needs the experi-
with humanity. As Christians we are ence of one who has been as weak as
members one of another. . . . The Lord
himself, who can sympathize with and
designs us as His sons and daughters,
help him. The very knowledge of his
whom He calls His friends, to help one own weakness helps that one to help
another. This is to be a part of our prac-
another in his weakness."—Ellen G.
tical Christian work.
White, "Our High Calling," page 184.
"'Who is my neighbor?' . . . He is
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 3, p. 361.
79
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
Part 3
SYMPATHY AND
HUMILITY
Rom. 12:15, 16
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
May 30
"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with
them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another.
Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low
estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."
There are some who rejoice only over their own happiness,
who weep only over their own miseries. If they are in good
health, if they are doing well in business, if the world smiles
upon them, they are happy. If they are sick, or poor, or ignored,
they are miserable. A thoroughly selfish man grieves more over
an attack of dyspepsia or the loss of a twenty-dollar bill than
over much greater trouble that comes to another.
"Christ identified Himself with the necessities of His people.
Their needs and their sufferings were His. He says: 'I was
anhungered, and ye gave Me meat: . . . I was sick, and ye vis-
ited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.' God's servants
should have hearts of tender affection and sincere love for the
followers of
Christ."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 186.
How did Jesus identify Himself with those who re-
joiced and with those who wept? John 2:1-11; 11:35.
"Though He was the Son of God, yet He had taken human
nature upon Him, and He was moved by human sorrow. His
tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy by suffer-
ing. He weeps with those that weep, and rejoices with those
that rejoice."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 533.
What kind of a reputation should the Christian have
in his neighborhood? Romans 12:17.
The more shallow any person's nature is, the less
capacity it has for joy and grief; the finer and deeper
one's nature, the more sensitive it is to both. Do I expe-
rience deeper joy or grief than those who know not the
Lord? Does my heart vibrate in sympathy with human
gladness and sorrow?
"The Lord Jesus is our only helper.
Through His grace we shall learn to cul-
tivate love, to educate ourselves to
speak kindly and tenderly. Through His
grace our cold, harsh manners will be
transformed. The law of kindness will
be upon our lips, and those who are
under the precious influences of the
Holy Spirit, will not feel that it is an
evidence of weakness to weep with
those who weep, to rejoice with them
that rejoice. We are to cultivate heav-
enly excellences of character. We are
to learn what it means to have good-
will toward all men, a sincere desire to
be as sunshine and not as a shadow in
the lives of others."—Ellen G. White
Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 3, p.
1164.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol.
4,
p. 20.
80
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
THINK IT THROUGH
Wednesday
May 31
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather
give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is
Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine
enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for
in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
The common practice is to return evil for evil. "Give him as
good as he sends." "Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."
"Be six to his half dozen." There are a score of proverbs which
suggest meeting evil with evil. But does any man dare to stand
before God on those terms?
"Give place unto wrath.
Literally, 'give place unto the wrath.'
The definite article before 'wrath' indicates that the reference
is to the wrath of God. . . . This interpretation is confirmed
by the following words, 'vengeance is Mine; I will repay.'
`Give place' means 'give room' for the avenging wrath of God
to work. Christians are never to attempt to seek revenge upon
those who treat them unjustly. They should leave the matter
with God."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 12:19.
What are we instructed about holding a grudge? Eph.
4:26.
"If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the
same spirit. Remember that 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.'
. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken
in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasper-
ate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit,
quickly dies away."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 486.
What is the best tool for overthrowing evil? Rom.
12:21.
There are many evils in the world in reading, asso-
ciation, recreation, music, eating, and drinking. How
may Christians overcome these evils today most satis-
factorily?
Part 4
RIGHT ATTITUDE
TOWARD ENEMIES
Rom. 12:19-21
"There is not an impulse of our na-
ture, not a faculty of the mind or an
inclination of the heart, but needs to
be, moment by moment, under the con-
trol of the Spirit of God. There is not a
blessing which God bestows upon man,
nor a trial which He permits to befall
him, but Satan both can and will seize
upon it to tempt, to harass and destroy
the soul, if we give him the least ad-
vantage. Therefore however great one's
spiritual light, however much he may
enjoy of the divine favor and blessing,
he should ever walk humbly before the
Lord, pleading in faith that God will
direct every thought and control every
impulse."—"Patriarchs and Prophets,"
page 421.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Medical Ministry," pages 209, 210.
81
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
Thursday
June 1
Part 5
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
CHRISTIAN'S there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ATTITUDE TO ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the
CIVIL POWER power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that
Rom. 13:1, 2
resist shall receive to themselves damnation."
In no society or government will we find an ideal situation.
We must remember that the basis of society is mutual forbear-
ance and self-sacrifice for the common good. The apostle's
teaching shows that we are bound to render obedience on the
ground that government is an "ordinance of God."
"Let every man be obedient to the civil government under
which the providence of God has cast his lot.
For there is no
power but of God.
As God is the origin of power, and the
supreme Governor of the universe, He delegates authority to
whomsoever He will; and though in many cases the governor
himself
may not be
of God,
yet
civil government
is of Him;
for without this there could be no society, no security, no pri-
vate property; all would be confusion and anarchy, and the
habitable world would soon be depopulated."—Clarke's
Com-
mentary,
on Rom. 13:1.
THINK IT THROUGH
What frees the Christian from fear of the civil power?
Rom. 13:3, 4.
"In general, rulers are not to be dreaded except when wrong
is done. In actuality, of course, not all rulers belong to this
class, for many of them have persecuted the good; for example,
Nero, the Roman emperor at the time Paul wrote this epistle,
who was later responsible for Paul's martyrdom. Nevertheless,
it is generally true that those who are virtuous have nothing to
fear from civil authorities."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom.
13:3.
What should be the Christian's motive as he seeks to
be a good citizen? 1 Peter 2:13, 14.
Do I obey the civil powers from a sense of duty? Or
am I afraid of punishment? Am I strictly honest when
making up my income tax returns? What is my attitude
toward speed laws and traffic ordinances?
"David's power had been given him 'The powers that be are ordained of
by God, but to be exercised only in God,' . . . but we are not to obey them
harmony with the divine law. When he contrary to God's law."—"Patriarchs
commanded that which was contrary and Prophets," page 719.
to God's law, it became sin to obey.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 712.
82
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
Friday
June 2
Part 6
"Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for
RENDER TO CAESAR wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay
ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending
continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all
their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom
Rom. 13:5-7 custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
The Christian's subjection to civil authority is necessary
because it is a divine ordinance. It is also essential to the gen-
eral good. If society is to be effective, it must have laws and
people to enforce them.
"If public order is part of a divine purpose, it is an exceed-
ingly serious thing to set ourselves against it. It means that we
have willfully preferred our private aims to the well-being of
society; we have exalted our own preferences above the needs
of the collective whole. This kind of gratuitous individualism
is destructive of all the values which a community exists to
serve; and in a tradition where its virtues have been praised
and its dangers overlooked, it is well to ponder the seriousness
with which Paul regarded irresponsible opposition to the state."
—The Interpreter's Bible,
Vol. 9, p. 602.
THINK IT THROUGH
How did Jesus emphasize this same principle? Matt.
22:15-21.
When only is the Christian to disobey the law of the
state? Acts 5:29.
"When the laws of men conflict with the word and law of
God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may
be. The law of our land requiring us to deliver a slave to his
master, we are not to obey; and we must abide the consequences
of violating this
law."—Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 201, 202.
Before the return of Jesus, what issue will confront the
Christian and serve to divide the world into groups, one
to receive the seal of God, the other the mark of the
beast?
"The Saviour's words, 'Render . . .
unto God the things that are God's,'
were a severe rebuke to the intriguing
Jews. Had they faithfully fulfilled their
obligations to God, they would not have
become a broken nation, 'subject to a
foreign power....
"He had rebuked their hypocrisy and
presumption, and in doing this He had
stated a great principle, a principle that
clearly defines the limits of man's duty
to the civil government and his duty to
God. In many minds a vexed question
had been settled. Ever after they held
to the right principle."—"The Desire of
Ages," pages 602, 603.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"The Acts of the Apostles," page 69.
83
Exhortations to Church Members
LESSON 10
June
3
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
True or False: There is in the natural heart a tendency to be exalted or
puffed up if success attends one's efforts.
2.
When we are under great obligation to Christ, what will be our attitude
toward those for whom He has died
3.
Complete: "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of
Be not
in your own conceits."
4.
True or False: The person who represses the desire for revenge and returns
evil with kindness gains a victory over himself and over the powers of evil.
5.
Complete: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the
, resisteth the
ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves
6.
Multiple choice: Our attitude to the state is to be guided by
(a)
commu-
nity sentiment
(b)
the precepts of the Bible
(c)
whether or not we feel the
right political party is in office
(d)
whether or not our interests are affected.
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84
LESSON 11
June 4-10
LOVE AND TOLERANCE IN THE
LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN 11
"Ye owe to your fellow brethren
nothing but mutual love, and this
is what the law of God requires,
and this is the law fulfilled."
Adam Clarke.
"For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved
of men." Rom. 14:18.
"Paul's statements in Rom. 14 have been
variously interpreted, and have been used
by some: (1) to disparage a vegetarian diet,
(2) to abolish the distinction between clean
and unclean meats, and (3) to remove all
distinction between days, thus abolishing
the seventh-day Sabbath. That Paul is do-
ing none of these three becomes evident
when this chapter is studied in the light of
certain religious and related problems that
troubled some of the 1st-century Christians.
"Paul mentions various problems that are
an occasion of misunderstanding between
brethren: (1) those relating to diet (v. 2),
and (2) those relating to the observance
of certain days (vs. 5, 6). In 1 Cor. 8 the
problem of the strong versus the weak
brother, as regards diet, is also dealt with.
The letter to the Corinthians was written
less than a year before that to the Romans.
It seems reasonable to conclude that in
1 Cor. 8 and Rom. 14 Paul is dealing with
essentially the same problem [foods sacri-
ficed to idols]. • • •
"That Paul does not teach or even imply
the abolition of the seventh-day Sabbath
has been recognized by such conservative
commentators, for example as Jamieson,
Fausset, and Brown."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Rom. 14:1.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Debt and the Christian
Rom. 13:8
2.
Urgency of the Time
Rom. 13:11, 12
3.
Need to Be Tolerant
Rom. 14:1-3
4.
Respect the Convictions of
Others
Rom. 14:5, 6
5.
The Christian's Influence
Rom. 14:7
6.
No Stumbling Block
Rom. 14:14, 15
85
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the
LESSON 11
Sunday
Christian
June 4
As private individuals we must accept responsibility for
goods and commodities we accept from others. We owe the
person working for us. It is not against this type of transaction
that the apostle warns, but against wanton debt and needless
obligation. Debt of this kind strikes a blow at love. There is
usually little affection lost between debtor and creditor.
"When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest,
but by love, they show the working of an influence that is
above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is
evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity,
that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that
there is power in the divine nature to withstand the superna-
tural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the
selfishness inherent in the natural heart."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 678.
To which commandment embracing all others does the
apostle point? Rom. 13:9.
"This obligation [love thy neighbor as thyself] is resting
upon all. All are required to labor to diminish the ills and mul-
tiply the blessings of their fellow
creatures."—Testinsonies,
Vol. 5, p. 606.
1).
In what way does Paul link love and the law? Rom.
13:10.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the example of Jesus show us a better ideal
of service for God than the life of any recluse?
Part 1
"Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for
DEBT AND THE he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
CHRISTIAN
Rom. 13:8
"The nature and scope of love is but
briefly indicated in the verses under
study; the important place it occupies in
Paul's thought, however, warrants a
glance at the development it receives
elsewhere in his teaching. Love as a
religious motive is never confused with
an emotional response to those who ap-
peal to our affections. If you are to 'love
your enemies,' the word must have
some connotation other than the ap-
preciative reaction which your friends
awaken within you. Love must mean
the settled will to seek the good of those
who come within the range of our influ-
ence, whatever may be their attitude
toward us. By the grace of God we will
treat even those who do us wrong in
the way which natural impulse would
teach us to treat only those to whom
we respond emotionally."—"The Inter-
preter's Bible," Vol. 9, pp. 607,608.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 1 , p. 220.
86
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the
LESSON 11
Christian
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
June 5
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time
to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer
than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day
is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armor of light."
It is a sad fact that many professing Christians seem to be
asleep so far as their personal obligations and responsibilities to
others go. They are insensible to the sins and sorrows of those
around them. They say, "What is to be will be; the Lord's will
be done. Some will be saved, others will be lost." The nearer
we come to the return of our Lord, the more awake we should
be and the more zealous in advancing His cause on earth.
"The coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first be-
lieved. The great controversy is nearing its end. Every report
of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the fact that the
end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of wars declare
it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with quickened
action as he anticipates the great events opening before us?"
—Evangelism,
page 219.
What will the Christian do before putting on the armor
of light? Rom. 13:12.
How is the Christian to walk? Rom. 13:13.
How may the Christian "put on" the Lord Jesus? Rom.
13:14.
Being wakened out of sleep (Rom. 13:11) is a term
which can be applied only to Christians. The unconverted
are dead in their trespasses and sins and require not an
awakening, but a resurrection. In what way may I be
asleep, and what can I do about it?
Part 2
URGENCY OF
THE TIME
Rom. 13:11, 12
"We must have a knowledge of the
Scriptures, that we may trace down the
lines of prophecy and . . . see that the
day is approaching, so that with in-
creased zeal and effort we may exhort
one another to faithfulness. . . . Give
up our faith? lose our confidence? be-
come impatient? No, no. We will not
think of such a thing. . . . See how the
specifications of the prophecies have
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Counsels on Health," page 579.
87
been [fulfilled] and are fulfilling. Let us
lift up our heads and rejoice, for our
redemption draweth nigh. It is nearer
than when we first believed. Shall we
not wait patiently, filled with courage
and faith? Shall we not make ready a
people to stand in the day of final
reckoning?"—Ellen G. White, "That I
May Know Him," page 348.
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the
LESSON.11
Tuesday
Christian
June 6
Part 3
"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to
NEED TO BE doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat
TOLERANT all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not
him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not
him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God
Rom. 14:1-3 hath received him."
The so-called law of Moses was actually given by God. Many
of its features pointed forward to the death of Christ, when
type would meet antitype, and the endless round of rites and
ceremonies would lose their significance. It is not surprising
that some Jewish converts to Christianity objected to the elimi-
nation of these features of the law which had been in force for
fifteen centuries. To them it was a matter of conscience. And
the man who regards his conscience must be respected even
when he is wrong. The strong should not put a stumbling block
in the way of the weak. The problem of eating meats offered
to idols probably entered in here also, a decision that would
vitally affect the Gentile believers. In this passage, Paul is
pleading for toleration of one another. He also suggests a sur-
render of what strong Christians regarded as their "right" in
order not to cause weaker brothers to stumble.
What question did Paul ask concerning judging others?
Rom. 14:4.
"True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and
deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and
deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and
lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word
of censure or condemnation, is
painful."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5,
p. 96.
What similar admonition did Jesus give? Matt. 7:1-3.
THINK IT THROUGH
When my brethren do things which I feel are wrong,
how do I respond? How do I react when they condemn
my practices? How only can peace between us be pre-
served?
"More and more we ought to recog-
nize that we are answerable to God—
and to God alone—both for the obliga-
tions which we accept and for those
which we repudiate. This might make
us more scrupulous in discharging the
duties of our discipleship, but it would
also make us more charitable in con-
ceding that our brother too is answer-
able to God alone. The secret of a
respectful tolerance of his practice is to
recognize that he does not stand or fall
at the bar of our judgment."—"The In-
terpreter's Bible," Vol. 9, p. 618.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 489, 490.
88
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the
LESSON 11
Wednesday
Christian
June 7
Part 4
"One man esteemeth one day above another: another
RESPECT THE esteemeth every clay alike. Let every man be fully per-
CONVICTIONS suaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, re-
OF OTHERS gardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the
day, to the Lord he cloth not regard it. He that eateth,
eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that
eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God
Rom. 14:5, 6 thanks."
There is no evidence that the apostle was here referring to
the seventh-day Sabbath. The whole discussion was in refer-
ence to observances that were distinctly Jewish. The Sabbath
was not in this classification, since it was instituted for all man-
kind at creation. Again Paul is pleading for tolerance. The
thought is that we should not try to rein up someone else and
expect him to follow the dictates of another's conscience.
"They climb upon the judgment seat, and as soon as they
see one of their brethren and sisters, they look to find some-
thing to criticize. This is one of the most effectual means of
becoming narrow-minded and of dwarfing spiritual growth.
God would have them step down from the judgment seat, for
He has never placed them
there."—Child Guidance,
page 429.
To what kind of "day" is Paul referring here? Lev.
16:29-31; 23:24, 39.
The first and seventh days of the Jewish Passover week were
to be "sabbaths." Fifty days later came the Feast of Weeks,
another "sabbath." Then the tenth day of the seventh month
was always to be a "sabbath." That these were not seventh-
day-of-the-week Sabbaths is evident from the fact that they
fell on the same day of the month each year. These ceremonial
"sabbaths" were still significant to the Jewish Christians, but
meant little or nothing to the Gentiles.
THINK IT THROUGH
What wise admonition did Paul give the Roman Chris-
tians? Rom. 14:5 (last part).
Is it best for me to remain silent when I am in the com-
pany of those who oppose the truth? What should be my
attitude toward my own children when they willfully
violate the commandments of God?
"It is right that you should both cher-
of an enlightened conscience, and your
ish integrity and be true to your sense
convictions of duty; but you should
of right. The straight path of duty
guard against bigotry and prejudice.
should be yours from choice. . . . You
Do not run into a pharisaical spirit."
should be firm in following the dictates
—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, pp. 62, 63.
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "The Desire of Ages ," page 550.
89
Part 5
THE CHRISTIAN'S
INFLUENCE
Rom. 14:7
1$
THINK IT THROUGH
Thursday
June 8
"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth
to himself."
God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his
friends. A completely selfish man may appear very religious if
he goes to church, reads religious books, and now and then
makes a contribution to some worthy cause. But every con-
secrated Christian is a leavening element, placed in the world
to proclaim and extend the truth. As John Donne reminds us,
"No man is an island, entire of itself."
To whom do we live and die? What price has been
paid for all? Rom. 14:8, 9.
"Our life is not our own, never was, and never can be. The
question of importance to us is, Is our life interwoven with
that of Jesus? . . . We shall come into judgment for the very
atmosphere that surrounds the soul, for it is vital and is influ-
encing souls for good or evil."—Ellen G. White,
That I May
Know Him,
page 90.
In view of the price paid equally for everyone, what
pertinent questions does Paul ask? Rom. 14:10-13.
"The apostle presses home the great thought of the lesson
the third time—judge not; condemn not. . . . If we assume to
be judge, we put ourselves in the place of God, the only Judge
and Lawgiver. God forbid that we should thus do."—Milton
Charles Wilcox,
Studies in Romans,
pages 128, 129.
Does the thought of others occupy only a very small
place in my devotions? Do I thank God for my brethren?
Would Job's experience be mine if I prayed more for
others?
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the
LESSON 11
Christian
"Christ's servants are grieved as they
see true and false believers mingled
in the church. They long to do some-
thing to cleanse the church. Like the
servants of the householder, they are
ready to uproot the tares. But Christ
says to them, 'Nay; lest while ye
gather up the tares, ye root up also
the wheat with them. Let both grow to-
gether until the harvest.'
"Christ has plainly taught that those
who persist in open sin must be sep-
arated from the church, but He has not
committed to us the work of judging
character and motive. He knows our
nature too well to entrust this work to
us. Should we try to uproot from the
church those whom we suppose to be
spurious Christians, we should be sure
to make mistakes. Often we regard as
hopeless subjects the very ones whom
Christ is drawing to Himself."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," page 71.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Adventist Home," pages 33, 34.
90
Love and Tolerance in the Life of the
LESSON 11
Friday
Christian
June
9
Part 6
"I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that
NO STUMBLING there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteem-
BLOCK eth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if
thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou
not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom
Rom. 14:14, 15
Christ died."
There are a number of practices which we should shun, not
because our conscience would condemn us if we followed them,
or because they would prove harmful in themselves, but be-
cause our example might be such as would mislead others. At
the same time we have no right to be conscience for another.
We can give the light to another, but we cannot decide what
he should do with it.
Paul is not referring to things which are morally wrong, but
to practices which may be debatable. To grieve a brother by
what one does is to sin against the law of love.
On what will Christian emphasis rest? Rom. 14:16-18.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Take heed lest by your example you place other souls in
peril. It is a terrible thing to lose our own soul, but to pursue
a course that will cause the loss of other souls is still more ter-
rible. That our influence should be a savor of death unto death
is a terrible thought, and yet it is possible. With what earnest-
ness, then, we should guard our thoughts, our words, our
habits, our dispositions. God calls for personal holiness. Only
by revealing the character of Christ can we cooperate with
Him in saving
souls."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
page 158.
What part must faith play in governing the life of the
believer? Rom. 14:22, 23.
Can I witness my brother doing things which I would
condemn in myself, and not be annoyed by it? Is there
danger that I may
be
so "broad-minded" that I tend to
ask: "Am I my brother's keeper?"
"Said the angel: 'Yea, thou art thy that man should be openhearted and
brother's keeper. Thou shouldest have
honest, without affectation, meek, hum-
a watchful care for thy brother, be in-
ble, with simplicity. This is the principle
terested for his welfare, and cherish a
of heaven; God ordered it so."—"Testi-
kind, loving spirit toward him. Press
monies," Vol. 1, pp. 113, 114.
together, press together.' God designed
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 191-195.
91
Z6
Answers: (1) The debt of love; (2) works, darkness, armor; (3) False; (4) persuaded, mind;
(5) he prayed for his friends; (6) True.
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LESSON 12
June 11-17
MERCY FOR THE GENTILES
12
"What the apostle prayed for the
Romans, in view of their contro-
versies, he prays for us, as for
them, in view of everything."
Handley C. G. Moule.
"Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people." Rom. 15:11.
In the closing part of his letter Paul
touched on a number of topics. First he
reminded the Gentiles that they had every
right to shout and sing because of the won-
derful way in which the gospel had been
made available to them. They were not
second-rate Christians simply because they
had not been born Jews. Next Paul spoke
of his own work over the years, traveling
from one country to another, not shunning
the hardest parts, but, like David Living-
stone so many centuries later, willing to go
anywhere provided it was forward. Next
he touched upon his own plans for the fu,
ture. First would be a trip to Jerusalem to
carry contributions from the Gentile
churches for the poor saints at headquar-
ters. Next would come a journey to Spain,
but on the way he anticipated stopping off
in Rome and visiting the saints there. After
his ministry in Spain was completed, he
expected to return to Rome. (There is no
way of knowing whether he ever reached
Spain. Clement intimates that he did.)
Then followed a lengthy list of individuals
to whom Paul sent greetings, and he con-
cludes his epistle with a typical hymn
ascribing praise and glory to the Father who
had made all things possible.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Reasons for Gentile Joy
Rom. 15:8-12
2.
A Minister to the Gentiles
Rom. 15:14-16
3.
Paul, a Pioneer Missionary
Rom. 15:20-24
4.
Paul's Mission to Jerusalem
Rom. 15:25-30
5.
Phebe, Priscilla, and Aquila
Rom. 16:1-4
6.
Closing Salutation and
Committal
Rom. 16:20-27
93
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
Sunday
June II
Part 1
"Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the
REASONS FOR circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises
GENTILE JOY made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify
God for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will
confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy
name. And again He saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His
people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and
laud Him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There
shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign
Rom. 15:8-12
over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust."
Babies are born selfish. Very small children develop strong
attachments to their toys and strongly object to sharing them
with others. The Jews' response to their extraordinary privileges
was to develop selfishness and exclusiveness. The idea ad-
vanced by Jesus that Gentiles might sit down in the kingdom
of God while the Jews would be thrust out, filled them with
rage.
t(*
THINK IT THROUGH
What trait of Jesus should the Christian especially
seek to emulate? Rom. 15:1-7.
"An example is more forceful than an exhortation; but even
more important than the example is the inspiration which en-
ables us to follow it. Paul finds both in Jesus Christ. The dis-
ciple can tell what he ought to do by remembering his Master."
—The Interpreter's Bible,
Vol. 9, p. 633.
What triple blessing was the Christian to enjoy through
the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Rom. 15:13.
Christ, who carried my burden, desires me to help
my neighbor carry his, that I may develep_a_Chrjstlike
character and at the same time demonstrate Christ's love
to my neighbor. In a practical way, how can I help my
neighbor carry his burden?
"No soul who believes in Christ,
character
i
Christian training, religious
though his faith may be weak, and his experience,—we are in debt to those
steps wavering as those of a little child,
less favored; and, so far as lies in our
is to be lightly esteemed. By all that has
power, we are to minister unto them."
given us advantage over another,—be —"The Desire of Ages," page 440.
it education and refinement, nobility of
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Evangelism," page 578.
94
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
Monday
June l2
Part 2
"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren,
A MINISTER TO that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowl-
THE GENTILES edge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless,
brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in
some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace
that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister
of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of
God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be accept-
Rom. 15:14-16 able, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."
Goodness and knowledge are not always combined in this
world, but both are found in Christ. These constitute the heart
and head of the_new man (Eph. 3:19; 4:24), and are to be
taken in
-
Th
-
6r fullness. Paul's largehearted love is shown by
the terms he employs. He obviously delights in pointing to the
depth of experience the believer may enjoy in Christ.
How only may the believer experience this infilling
of goodness and knowledge? Eph. 3:17-21.
In what personal experience did Paul glory? Rom.
15:17-19.
"Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The stu-
dent of Scripture looks, as it were, into a fountain that deepens
and broadens as he gazes into it depths. Not in this life shall
we comprehend the mystery of God's love in giving His Son
to be the propitiation for our sins. The work of our Redeemer
on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will put th the
stretch our highest imagination."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 128, 129.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does the fact that I cannot preach like Paul excuse me
from any responsibility to make known to others what
has been done for me?
"In the very family, the neighbor-
health of body and of soul than does
hood, the town, where we live, there
a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a
is work for us to do as missionaries for
positive duty to resist melancholy, dis-
Christ. If we are Christians, this work
contented thoughts and feelings—as
will be our delight. No sooner is one
much a duty as it is to pray. If we are
converted than there is born within him
heaven-bound, how can we go as a
a desire to make known to others what band of mourners, groaning and com-
a precious friend he has found in
plaining all along the way to our Fath-
Jesus."—"The Desire of Ages," page er's house?"—"The Ministry of Heal-
141.
ing," page 251.
"Nothing tends more to promote
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 319.
95
Part 3
PAUL, A PIONEER
MISSIONARY
Rom. 15:20-24
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
June 13
"Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not
where Christ was named, lest I should build upon an-
other man's foundation: but as it is written, To whom He
was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have
not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have
been much hindered from coming to you. But now having
no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take
my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to
see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way
thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with
your company."
At the time when Paul was converted, he had already made
his mark in the world. As a member of the Sanhedrin, the
Jewish supreme court, he had taken a leading part in hunting
down, imprisoning, and even putting to death, members of
what was contemptuously called the sect of the Nazarenes.
When he changed sides and joined the army of the Lord, he
asked for no position of power in the church at Jerusalem. He
had one great purpose, to preach the gospel in the "regions
beyond." Here we see a marked similarity to the spirit that
later motivated David Livingstone. Like Paul, Livingstone re-
jected the idea that he settle down in some comfortable, well-
established mission and spend his life there. The great unknown
beckoned him. Both walked thousands of miles. Both died in
harness.
What experience inspired Paul to carry the gospel into
Europe? Acts 16:10.
"Paul defends his practice of preaching where Christ's name
was unknown by noting that the procedure was a fulfillment
of OT prediction."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 15:21.
After Jesus' work on earth was done, He could look
forward to satisfaction at seeing the travail of His soul.
May I do the same? On what conditions?
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
"No man can succeed in the. service
of God unless his whole heart is in the
work and he counts all things but loss
for the excellency of the knowledge of
Christ. No man who makes any reserve
can be the disciple of Christ, much less
can he be Mira;E:borer."—"The Desire
of Ages," page 273.
"Our work is plainly laid down in
the Word of God. Christian is to be
united to Christian, church to church,
the human instrumentality cooperating
with the divine, every agency to be sub-
ordinated to the Holy Spirit, and all to
be combined in giving to the world the
good tidings of the grace of God."—
"Christian Service," page 14.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 373.
96
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
Wednesday
June 14
Part 4
"But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the
PAUL'S MISSION saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia
TO JERUSALEM to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which
are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their
debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made
partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to
minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I
have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit,
I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when
I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the bless-
ing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren,
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the
Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers
Rom. 15:25-30 to God for me."
THINK IT THROUGH
When the apostles in Jerusalem gave Paul and Barnabas
the right hand of fellowship and sent them out to preach the
gospel, they asked them always to remember the poor in Jeru-
salem, a thing Paul did faithfully. Gal. 2:10. Although many
of the Gentiles were poor, they gave willingly to this cause.
Paul asked the Roman believers to pray that this gift might
be accepted kindly by the Judean brethren.
Although Paul was a minister, what did he ask the
believers to do for him? Rom. 15:30-32. Compare 2 Thess.
3:2.
Paul was a mighty man of prayer. "Pray without ceasing,"
he admonished the Thessalonians. There can be no doubt but
that he carried out his own instruction.
"Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of re-
ceiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and
experience. . . . Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the
soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and
from our life, purity and holiness flow back to
God."—Steps to
Christ,
pages 97, 98.
Paul asked an interest in the prayers of the laity. Do
I remember regularly in prayer my pastor, conference
workers, and the missionaries on the front lines struggling
against almost overwhelming odds?
"I need the prayers of those I love,
While trav'ling o'er life's rugged way,
That I may true and faithful be,
And live for Jesus ev'ry day.
"I want my friends to pray for me,
To bear my tempted soul above,
And intercede with God for me;
I need the prayers of those I love."
—J.
D.
Vaughan.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol. 1 , p. 190.
97
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
Thursday
June 15
Part 5
"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a ser-
PHEBE, PRISCILLA, vant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive
AND AQUILA her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her
in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath
been a succorer of many, and of myself also. Greet
Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have
for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not
only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gen-
Rom. 16:1-4
tiles."
It seems evident that Phebe, a Greek name that means
"bright, radiant," was the bearer of Paul's letter. She was
presumably fairly wealthy, and she was going to Rome on
private business. She was an active church member. The Greek
word translated "servant" is the same that is translated in some
other places as "deacon." This suggests that she may have been
a deaconess.
Priscilla and Aquila had apparently run grave risks for Paul's
sake. This is one of the few instances in the Bible in which the
woman's name is given first, indicating, perhaps, that she was
a person of great ability and that she may have done more for
the church than her husband.
What indicates Paul's intimate knowledge of the be-
lievers in Rome? Rom. 16:5-16.
"Here is a window in Paul's heart. He was apparently dis-
owned by his own kindred, yet, as the Lord had promised, he
had mothers, sisters, and brothers a hundredfold. What a con-
trast there is between the spirit of this chapter and that of the
mere disputant cr theologian, the stoic or monk!"—F. B. Meyer,
Through the Bible Day by Day,
pages 99, 100.
Against whom did Paul warn the church? Rom. 16:
17-19.
THINK IT THROUGH
How did Paul know so much about the Roman Chris-
tians? Has all of his correspondence been preserved in
the New Testament?
"Those who are fighting the battle
the soul. The true heart expression of
of life at great odds may be refreshed
and strengthened by little attentions has power to open the door
OrFearts
r
i_isllike sympathy, given in simplicity,
that need the simple, delicate touch of
which cost nothing. Kindly words simply
the spirit of Christ."—"Testimonies,"
spoken, little attentions simply be-
Vol. 9, p. 30.
stowed, will sweep away the clouds of
temptation and doubt that gather over
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol. 6, pp. 343,344.
98
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
Friday
June 16
Part 6
"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your
CLOSING feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
SALUTATION you. Amen. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and
AND COMMITTAL Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius,
who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius
mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus
the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a
brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
all. Amen. Now to Him that is of power to stablish you
according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus
Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which
was kept secret since the world began, but now is made
manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, accord-
ing to the commandment of the everlasting God, made
known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God
Rom. 16:20-27 only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."
Of what coming deliverance did Paul remind the Ro-
man believers? Rom. 16:20. Compare Gen. 3:15.
"The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy
in sackcloth. But although she must meet heresies and persecu-
tions, although she must battle with the infidel and the apostate,
yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. . . .
"The gospel message does not win a single soul to Christ, or
make its way to a single heart, without wounding the head of
Satan. Whenever a captive is wrenched from his grasp, deliv-
ered from his oppression, the tyrant is
defeated."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp. 594, 595.
Who had heard of the obedience of the Roman be-
lievers? Rom. 16:19.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why were some things hidden from the comprehension
of Christ's followers? John 16:12; Heb. 5:11, 12.
"Jesus longed to unfold the deep
mysteries of the truth which had been
hid for ages, that the Gentiles should be
fellow heirs with the Jews, and 'par-
takers of His promise in Christ by the
gospel.' Eph. 5:6. This truth the disci-
ples were slow to learn, and the divine
Teacher gave them lesson upon lesson."
—"The Desire of Ages," page 402.
"Therefore, to Him be glory for His
wisdom in devising this most admirable
plan; and His goodness in sending
Christ Jesus to execute it; to Him,
through Christ Jesus, be glory forever!
Because this plan is to last forever; it
is to have no issue but in eternal glory."
—Clarke's "Commentary" on Rom.
16:27.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "SDA
Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p. 1107.
99
Mercy for the Gentiles
LESSON 12
June 17
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS *
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Complete: "There shall be a root of
, and He that shall rise to
reign over the
; in Him shall the Gentiles
2.
True or False: Goodness and knowledge are not always combined in this
world, but in Christ they are inseparable.
3.
True or False: It was always a disappointment to Paul that he had not
had opportunity to settle down as pastor in some established center.
4.
Complete: "Now I beseech you, brethren, . . . that ye
with me in your
to
for me."
together
5.
Multiple choice: Paul's attitude toward women was that
(a)
they should
be housewives only,
(b)
they should hold the leading offices,
(c)
they should
be laborers together in the gospel,
(d)
they should work only outside the
church.
6.
How is the bruising of Satan's head accomplished)
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(9)
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100
LESSON 13
June 18-24
CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE
13
"As God is no respecter of per-
sons, all human creatures being
equally His offspring, ... there-
fore His endless mercy has
embraced all." Adam Clarke.
"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to
them who are the called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28.
The foregoing lessons have shown that
be manifest in the lives of those who have
God is at work to save His people from
been justified unto salvation.
Satan's pitfalls as well as from their own
weaknesses.
The great work of redemption is revealed
LESSON OUTLINE
step by step in the book of Romans. The
first chapter reveals man in his lost condi-
tion with all his natural depravity. The
1. Forgetful and Unthankful
author goes on to show that everyone is
Rom. 1:18-21
under condemnation. Jesus is introduced as
the One who saves from sin and justifies
2. The Way of Escape
the sinner. Having accepted Him, the be-
Rom. 3:22-25
liever finds his sense of guilt and condemna-
tion gone.
3. Complete in Him
The question arises: Since this great sal-
Rom. 6;3-8
vation is freely offered, why are so many
lost? In Romans 9 to 11 the apostle ex-
4. Now No Condemnation
amines God's dealings with men and vindi-
Rom. 8:1-3, 14
cates them. In view of the fact that "who-
soever calleth upon the name of the Lord
5. Transformation of Life
shall be saved," any failure on the part of
Rom. 12:4, 5
the individual to believe results in self-
inflicted condemnation. The last chapters
6. Love and Tolerance
point out the Christian virtues which will
Rom. 14:4, 13; 15:1, 4
101
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
Sunday
June 18
Part 1
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
FORGETFUL AND all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the
UNTHANKFUL truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be
known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed
it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the crea-
tion of the world are clearly seen, being understood by
the things that are made, even His eternal power and
Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that,
when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imagina-
Rom. 1:18-21
tions, and their foolish heart was darkened."
"Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become
so infatuated with the laws of matter or the operations of
nature as to overlook, or refuse to acknowledge, the continual
working of God in nature. Nature is not God, nor was it ever
God. The voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not
God. As His created work, it simply bears a testimony to God's
power."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1068.
THINK IT THROUGH
How widespread had man's departure from God be-
come? Rom. 3:10-12.
"The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies
for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The
Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and mis-
ery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic
cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were
being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler
who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and de-
ceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward
eternal ruin,—to death in which is no hope of life, toward
night to which comes no morning."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
36.
Since Jews and Gentiles alike had sinned, for what
deliverance might both look? Rom. 3:23, 30.
Prior to the first advent of Christ, was salvation con-
fined to the Jews only? What can I do to show that I
believe the glad tidings of the gospel are to go to all
nations?
"But the command, 'Go ye into all the 'regions beyond.' "—"The Desire of
the world,' is not to be lost sight of.
Ages," page 823.
We are called upon to lift our eyes to
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Child Guidance," page 440.
102
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
Monday
June
19
Part 2
"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of
THE WAY OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for
ESCAPE there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short
of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom
God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in
His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission
Rom. 3:22-25 of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."
"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to
promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith
whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold
of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can
present Christ's perfect obedience instead of the sinner's trans-
gression and defection. When the sinner believes that Christ is
his personal Saviour, then according to His unfailing promises,
God pardons his sin and justifies him freely. The repentant
soul realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his
substitute and surety, has died for him, is his atonement and
righteousness."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1073.
"Justification is God's own bridge which stretches across the
pit of iniquity and leads to our heavenly home. The word tells
us that God is the architect of the bridge, that He fashioned
it through grace, and its cornerstone is redemption through
the blood of Christ, and that its approach is by faith alone."
—Chas. J. Woodbridge,
Secrets of Godly Living,
page 73.
How long does it take God to justify the sinner? Luke
23:39-43.
THINK IT THROUGH
"The thief asked in faith, in penitence, in contrition. He
asked in earnestness, as if he fully realized that Jesus could
save him if He would. And the hope in his voice was mingled
with anguish as he realized that if He did not, he would be
lost, eternally lost. He cast his helpless, dying soul and body
on Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1125.
If
I
have been justified once, do I need to be justified
again? What does God do in this process? What is my
part?
"The righteousness by which we are
The first is our title to heaven, the sec-
justified is imputed; the righteousness
and is our fitness for heaven."—"Mes-
by which we are sanctified is imparted. sages to Young People," page 35.
FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 397, 398.
103
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
Tuesday
June 20
Part 3
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized
COMPLETE IN HIM into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? There-
fore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that
like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of life. For if we have been planted together in the like-
ness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His
resurrection. . . . For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall
Rom. 6:3-8 also live with Him."
110
THINK IT THROUGH
Such expressions as "dead to sin" and "alive to God," having
"Christ in you" and "you in Christ," are frequently found in
the epistles of Paul. The thought is that Christ must have full
control of the believer.
"The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and
vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must
be enthroned within."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 494.
What comes into the heart of the justified sinner?
Rom. 5:1, 11.
What threefold step is illustrated by baptism? Gal.
2:20; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4.
The crucifixion of self comes first. Then comes the burial in
the precious blood of Jesus, who "hath loved us, and washed
us from our sins in His own blood." Rev. 1:5. This is followed
by the resurrection, as the Christian rises to walk in newness of
life.
Now and then we hear of someone who was literally
"buried alive." Is there any danger that someone may
be buried in baptism who is not really dead to sin?
"When the soul surrenders itself to
Christ, a new power takes possession of
the new heart. A change is wrought
which man can never accomplish for
himself. It is a supernatural work,
bringing a supernatural element into
human nature. The soul that is yielded
to Christ becomes His own fortress,
which He holds in a revolted world,
and He intends that no authority shall
be known in it but His own. A soul
thus kept in possession by the heavenly
agencies is impregnable to the assaults
of Satan."—"The Desire of Ages," page
324.
FOR
FURTHER STUDY:
"Evangelism," pages 273, 307.
104
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
Wednesday
June 21
Part 4
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them
NOW NO which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
CONDEMNATION but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in
Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death. For what the law could not do, in that it was
weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the
likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the
flesh."
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are
Rom. 8:1-3, 14 the sons of God."
In the latter part of the seventh chapter of Romans, Paul
presents a rather hopeless outlook. No matter how much he
desired to do the will of God, he found need for a power out-
side himself to carry out those desires. He found the answer!
To his despairing cry, "Who shall deliver me?" come the
reassuring words, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Rom. 7:24, 25. The delivered saint loses his sense of condemna-
tion and becomes a son of God on one condition: that he sub-
merge his will and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
"We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the
law without shame and remorse. 'There is therefore now no
condemnation.' ...
"Through Jesus the fallen sons of Adam become 'sons of
God.' ... The Christian's life should be one of faith, of victory,
and joy in God. 'Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the
world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even
our faith.' . . . Truly spoke God's servant Nehemiah: 'The
joy
of the Lord is your strength.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page
477.
Through whom does Christian freedom come? John
8:36.
What brings condemnation? John 3:19.
THINK IT THROUGH
There is no feeling in a corpse. Do I lack a feeling of
condemnation because I am dead in sin, or because I
am dead to sin?
"The expulsion of sin is the act of the powers of the soul are imbued with
the soul itself. True, we have no power the divine energy of the Holy Spirit,
to free ourselves from Satan's control;
and they obey the dictates of the will
but when we desire to be set free from
in fulfilling the will of God."—"The De-
sin,
and in our great need cry out for sire of Ages," page 466.
a power out of and above ourselves,
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 170.
105
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
Thursday
June
22
Part 5
"For as we have many members in one body, and all
TRANSFORMATION members have not the same office: so we, being many,
OF LIFE are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of
Rom. 12:4, 5 another."
While the spirit of independence, of strife for supremacy, and
of disorganization is seen everywhere, God's church is to be
different, characterized by its unity and its perfect oneness in
Christ.
"The world is filled with strife for the supremacy. The
spirit of pulling away from fellow-laborers, the spirit of dis-
organization, is in the very air we breathe. By some, all efforts
to establish order are regarded as dangerous,—as a restriction
of personal liberty, and hence to be feared as popery. These de-
ceived souls regard it a virtue to boast of their freedom to
think and act independently. They declare . . . that they are
amenable to no man. I have been instructed that it is Satan's
special effort to lead men to feel that God is pleased to have
them choose their own course, independent of the counsel of
their brethren."—Gospel
Workers,
page 486.
"The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does
not destroy the personality of either. . . . By partaking of the
Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes
a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into
a living union with Himself and with the Father."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
5,
p. 1148.
What will unity in the church show to the world? John
17:21, 23.
THINK IT THROUGH
What was the condition of the disciples when the Holy
Spirit fell on them on the day of Pentecost? Acts
2:1.
"The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness
to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that
would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all
desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian
fellowship."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 37.
"'The keys of the kingdom of heaven' are the words
of Christ."—"The Desire of Ages," page 413. Am I willing
to allow His words to be the final authority in my life?
"On the church has been conferred that is in accordance with the directions
the power to act in Christ's stead. It is
given in God's Word, will be ratified
God's instrumentality for the preserve- in heaven."—"Gospel Workers," pages
tion of order and discipline among His 501, 502.
people. . . . Whatever the church does
FOR FURTHER
STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 16.
106
Friday
June
23
Part 6
"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?
LOVE AND to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be
TOLERANCE holden up: for God is able to make him stand."
Rom. 14:4, 13;
"Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but
judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or
an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities
of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were
written for our learning, that we through patience and
15:1, 4 comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
The light of truth has been given to God's remnant people.
He has also bestowed the fullness of His love upon those who
keep His commandments. He asks us in turn to manifest this
same love in our dealings with one another. We are not to be
critical of or judge one another.
THINK IT THROUGH
What law of life should temper our judgment of
others? Luke 6:37, 38.
What is one way to avoid being judged by another?
1 Cor. 11:31.
"Jesus said, 'judge not, that ye be not judged.' That is, do
not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions,
your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion
for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not
come up to your ideal. Do not criticize others, conjecturing as
to their motives and passing judgment upon
them."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 124.
In apostolic times believers were united in doctrine,
in fellowship, and in love for one another. Why is it not
experienced more often today?
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
"Give the erring one no occasion for
discouragement. Suffer not a Pharisai-
cal hardness to come in and hurt your
brother. . . . If you speak a word of
your own, if you take an attitude of
indifference, or show suspicion or dis-
trust, it may prove the ruin of a soul.
He needs a brother with the Elder Broth-
er's heart of sympathy to touch his heart
of humanity. Let him feel the strong
clasp of a sympathizing hand, and hear
the whisper, Let us pray. God will give
a rich experience to you both. Prayer
unites us with one another and with
God."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page
250.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 87, 552.
107
Called According to His Purpose
LESSON 13
June 24
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
TO TEST YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
True or False: Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature
testifies of God.
2.
Complete: "For
of God."
have
and come short of the
3.
Complete: "Know ye not, that so many of us as. were
into
were
into His death?"
4.
Complete: "For as many as are
the
of God."
by the
of God, they are
5.
True or False: The unity that exists between Christ and His followers
tends to destroy human personality.
6.
True or False: God will give a rich experience to the one who sympathizes
with a brother and prays for him even when he is in
the wrong.
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(z)
(I) :saantsuv
108
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A devotional book of thought-provoking essays, excel-
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A thoroughly modern,
up-to-date examination
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and their bearing on the
question of creation and
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a search
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1
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4
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Richard M. Ritland
Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering
North American Division
June 24, 1972
It is normal for each world division to receive an overflow offer-
ing about every three years. An exception to this rule always is the
North American Division. The last offering scheduled there was
eight years ago, the second quarter of 1964. We just don't think of
North America as a mission field because it is the source of a large
percentage of denominational funds. However, there are groups
of people in North America who very much need the material bene-
fits money can buy as a means of spreading the gospel and hasten-
ing Jesus' return.
The Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering will be divided three
ways:
(1)
To give assistance to the medical work of the young clinic
at Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
(2)
To build a boys' dormitory for Pine Forge Academy, Penn-
sylvania, one of two boarding academies for the denomina-
tion's black youth in North America.
(3)
To supply urgently needed equipment for vocational and
industrial training at our North American Indian school in
Holbrook, Arizona.
This clinic and these schools will give you special thanks as you
give liberally this Thirteenth Sabbath.
Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1972
r3
Sabbath School members who have not received an adult
Lesson Quarterly
for the third quarter of 1972 will be helped
by the following outline in studying for the first lesson. The
title of the series is "Christ and the Sabbath." The title of the
first lesson is "Christ's Sign." The memory verse is Exodus
1:13.
The outline is as follows: (1) Christ the Creator. John
1:10; (2) Creator Existent From Eternity. John 1:1,
3,
14;
(3) Redemption Is Re-creation. 2 Cor. 5:17, RSV; (4) A Pre-
determined Plan. 2 Tim. 1:9; (5) A Sign of the Creator. Ex.
31:15-17; (6) A Sign of the Saviour. Eze. 20:12.
Litho in U.S.A.
Alaska Mission
Northwest Territory
North Dakota
Minnesotn
Northern
Montana
Church
Sab. Sch.
Union
Population Churches Memb. Members
Atlantic
32,943,699
261
34,845
33,630
Canadian
21,747,100
186
19,349
18,865
Central
11330,547
286
29,224
25,068
Columbia
40,976,000
459
54,633
51,298
Lake
31,433,872
437
46,371
40,327
Northern
7,840,497
197
12,763
11,487
North Pacific
6,990,735
320
48,384
44,125
Pacific
24,199,838 446 108,525 92,279
Southern
31,190,585
509
59,817
52,295
Southwestern
21,203,707
305
27,206
22,023
Division Totals
229,856,580
3,406
441,117
391,397
Medical Clinic
Yellow Knife
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Labrador Labrador
Canadian Union
Quebec
ashingMn
North Pacific
wiseensin
Illinois Ind
iana
Michigan
Vocational Equipment
Holbrook Indian Schaal
Hawaiian Mission
(Pacific
Union)
v
gaming
SouM Dakota
Nebra
Central
Union
Colorad
°"*"" Arkante,
Southwestern
New
Union
Means
v,
v
tqAtantic
Union
enrsylsonia
con
Columbia •
Union r
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hie
Vir
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South Carolina
Bermuda
(Atlantic Linionf,f4